Final answer:
To monitor the effectiveness of therapy in a patient with acute pancreatitis, amylase levels in the blood would be the primary lab test result a nurse would check, as it indicates pancreatic inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To evaluate the effects of therapy for a 62-year-old female patient with acute pancreatitis, the nurse would primarily monitor the blood's amylase or lipase levels. Amylase is an enzyme produced in the pancreas, and elevated levels of amylase in the blood can indicate pancreatic inflammation and damage. These enzymes are produced in the pancreas and are usually present in higher quantities when there is inflammation of the pancreas, making them crucial indicators of the condition's status. Amylase testing can guide clinical decisions regarding the efficacy of the treatment being administered to the patient. Though other laboratory tests such as calcium, bilirubin, and potassium levels might offer additional information, they are not specific to pancreatic inflammation and function.