Final answer:
No, sodium bicarbonate should not be routinely given to babies with metabolic acidosis, as the condition requires individualized treatment based on the underlying cause and potential for complications from bicarbonate therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Should sodium bicarbonate routinely be given to babies with metabolic acidosis? The answer is no, not routinely. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where there is a primary bicarbonate deficiency, leading to the blood becoming too acidic. Initially, during acute metabolic acidosis, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) may remain normal, but it can decrease if compensatory respiratory alkalosis occurs, as the body tries to reestablish the proper bicarbonate to carbon dioxide ratio. While sodium bicarbonate can correct the bicarbonate level in the blood, its administration must be carefully considered because it can lead to rapid shifts in pH, overcorrection to metabolic alkalosis, and other potential complications.
Furthermore, the underlying cause of the acidosis needs to be addressed. In certain situations, such as organic acidemias or excessive loss of bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate may be indicated. However, other causes like renal failure may require different treatments. Therefore, the decision to use sodium bicarbonate should be individualized based on the patient's condition, laboratory values, and the underlying etiology of the acidosis.