Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following is an expected finding?

A) Elevated amylase and lipase levels
B) Decreased white blood cell count
C) Hypokalemia
D) Low blood glucose levels

Answer 1

The expected finding in a client with acute pancreatitis is an elevated white blood cell count, not a decrease or low blood glucose levels. The increase in white blood cells is a reaction to inflammation or infection. Elevated amylase or lipase levels may also indicate pancreatic inflammation.

Step-by-step explanation:

An expected laboratory finding in a client who has acute pancreatitis would be an elevated white blood cell count. This is because the body often responds to inflammation or infection with a higher production of white blood cells to fight off the invaders. In acute pancreatitis, which involves inflammation of the pancreas, there is often an associated increase in white blood cell count as part of the body's immune response.

Additionally, pancreatitis can affect the levels of pancreatic enzymes in the blood. Liver function tests (LFTs) might indicate gallbladder disease, and amylase or lipase levels could be measured to check for pancreatic inflammation. While pancreatitis can affect blood glucose levels, the expected change would usually be hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, as the pancreas is involved in insulin production, and damage to it might impair this function leading to higher blood sugar levels.