Word parts
What it means
From the Latin word for milk. In nursing it is met most in lactic acid and lactate. When cells do not get enough oxygen, they break down glucose without it and make lactate. A blood lactate level is measured when sepsisSEP-sisA severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.Full entry or shock is suspected, and a buildup can cause lactic acidosis. Lactate also builds up in hard-working muscles, and lactated Ringer's solutionLAK-tay-tid RING-erz suh-LOO-shunAn isotonic IV fluid containing water, sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and lactate.Full entry contains it.
For the nurse
A lactate level is often drawn early when sepsis is suspected; report a high result right away.
Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
metabolic acidosis
A state in which the blood is too acidic because the body has too much acid or has lost too much bicarbonate.
lactated Ringer's solution
An isotonic IV fluid containing water, sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and lactate.