What is the expected effect of a Sodium Bicarbonate overdose treatment in TCA overdose cases?

Study for the Valencia College Paramedic Program Test. Prepare with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The expected effect of administering Sodium Bicarbonate in cases of TCA (tricyclic antidepressant) overdose is to correct metabolic acidosis. TCA overdoses can lead to a buildup of acids in the body, resulting in metabolic acidosis, which can be dangerous as it affects the acid-base balance in the bloodstream.

Sodium Bicarbonate serves as a buffering agent that helps to neutralize excess acids, effectively raising the blood pH back toward a normal range. This correction helps to mitigate the effects of the overdose, including reducing cardiovascular toxicity associated with TCA, and can help stabilize the patient's condition.

In the context of this question, while metabolic function, heart rate, and oxygen delivery may be indirectly affected, the primary and most direct benefit of Sodium Bicarbonate in TCA overdose cases is its role in correcting metabolic acidosis. Thus, the emphasis is appropriately placed on the correction of acidosis as the critical therapeutic effect in this scenario.

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