Which of the following is true about the use of calcium and sodium bicarbonate in cardiac emergencies?

• A. They are routinely given to all patients
• B. They are used only in non-cardiac cases
• C. Only if specifically required in protocol
• D. They are never used

Answer: (C)

In cardiac emergencies, these agents aren’t given as a routine step; they’re used only when the protocol specifies a definite indication. Calcium can help stabilize the heart when high potassium or certain overdoses (like calcium channel blockers) are suspected, but it isn’t universally beneficial in all cardiac conditions. Sodium bicarbonate is helpful in cases of severe metabolic acidosis, known overdose scenarios (such as with certain depressants), or situations where alkalinizing the blood is specifically indicated, but it can be harmful in others if given indiscriminately. Because the effects of these drugs depend on the patient’s exact problem, guidelines emphasize using them only when the protocol requires and the clinical situation supports it.