Evaluating the Use of Intravenous Bicarbonate as a Tool to Verify the Intravascular Position of an IV Catheter in Children

Extravasation is the unintentional injection or leakage of fluids into the perivascular or subcutaneous space resulting in potential tissue injury. This prospective controlled study, will assesse the diagnostic utility of using intravenous diluted sodium bicarbonate to confirm placement of intravenous (IV) catheters in ventilated children. Diluted sodium bicarbonate will be created using undiluted standard 8.4% (1 meq/mL) sodium bicarbonate mixed in a 1:3 ratio with sterile water to achieve a final diluted concentration of 2.1% (0.25 mEq/mL). In 20 ASA I-II mechanically ventilated children age 2-8 years, the effects of 1 ml/kg of diluted 2.1% sodium bicarbonate or 0.9% normal saline,injected in a randomized order, will be analyzed. All children will have venous blood samples taken prior to injection and 10 minutes after injection for analysis of venous blood pH and electrolytes.