What is the significance of serum lactate?

Critical thinking scenario: sally is providing patient education to an older patient, mrs. campo, who is having difficulty swallowing the large tablets needed for her medical condition. she tells you that two of the tablets have "deep lines" through the tablet and one has a very hard coat. mrs. campo wants to know if there is any way she can make swallowing the medicine easier. what instructions should sally give mrs. campo that will make her swallowing easier?