Question

A 57-year-old man with suspected CAP and normal initial lactate 1.8 mmol/L deteriorates. Repeat lactate is 3.6 mmol/L. Best interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Elevated lactate warrants reassessment and escalation per sepsis bundle

Answer

Ignore lactate since initial was normal

Answer

Lactate is only relevant in trauma

Answer

Treat lactate with bicarbonate infusion

Answer

Lactate should not be repeated once antibiotics are started

Practice question

A 57-year-old man with suspected CAP and normal initial lactate 1.8 mmol/L deteriorates. Repeat lactate is 3.6 mmol/L. Best interpretation?