Final answer:
In a patient with acute pancreatitis, laboratory findings often show elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, which are key indicators of pancreatic inflammation. Other labs, such as ALT and AST, may be mildly elevated if there is liver involvement. Serum creatinine and BUN could be indicative of kidney dysfunction in severe cases. The correct option is 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
For Britney, a 20-year-old student admitted with acute pancreatitis, you would expect certain laboratory findings to be abnormal. Specifically, her serum amylase and lipase levels would likely be elevated, as these are enzymes produced by the pancreas and are commonly used markers to diagnose pancreatitis. An increase in these enzymes indicates damage to pancreatic cells, which release these enzymes into the bloodstream.
While alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes that can indicate liver damage when elevated, they might only be mildly elevated in acute pancreatitis. If acute pancreatitis is associated with gallstones or if there is liver involvement, these enzymes could also be abnormal.
Serum creatinine and BUN could be abnormal if there is associated kidney dysfunction, often seen in more severe cases or as a result of dehydration. Cardiac enzymes would not typically be elevated in acute pancreatitis unless there is a concurrent cardiac event.