Question

The nurse is caring for a client being treated for pancreatitis. Which of the following lab studies would best indicate the treatment is being effective?

1) Amylase level
2) Lipase level
3) Glucose level
4) Bilirubin level

Answer 1

To best indicate the treatment efficacy for pancreatitis, amylase and lipase levels should be monitored, as they should decrease towards normal ranges with effective treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for a client being treated for pancreatitis. When evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment, the laboratory studies that would best indicate a successful response are measurements of pancreatic enzyme levels, specifically amylase and lipase. These enzymes are produced in the pancreas and elevated levels are often present with pancreatitis. As treatment progresses and the pancreas begins to heal, the amylase and lipase levels should decrease, moving towards the normal range.

Choices such as glucose level and bilirubin level are also important in overall patient assessment but are not primarily indicative of pancreatitis treatment efficacy. Glucose levels can be affected by numerous factors, and bilirubin levels are more closely associated with liver function.