Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Related

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of following values?

  • A. Calcium
  • B. RBC count
  • C. Magnesium
  • D. Amylase
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Amylase. During acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to leakage of amylase into the bloodstream. Therefore, elevated levels of serum amylase are expected in clients with acute pancreatitis.

A: Calcium levels may be decreased in acute pancreatitis due to fat necrosis and calcium binding to free fatty acids.
B: RBC count is not typically affected in acute pancreatitis.
C: Magnesium levels may be normal or slightly decreased, but it is not a consistent finding in acute pancreatitis.