Although correction of an anion gap metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate is controversial, correction of the nonanion gap portion of severe metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.20) is often recommended and may be treated with IV sodium bicarbonate in the form of a slow infusion (≤ 150 mEq [or mmol] sodium bicarbonate in 1 L of 5% D / W at a rate of 50 to 100 mL / hour).