Question

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with pancreatitis. Which findings should the nurse look for and expect to note when reviewing the laboratory results? Select all that apply.

1.Elevated lipase level
2.Elevated lactase level 3.Elevated trypsin level 4.Elevated amylase level 5.Elevated sucrase level

Answer 1

In the case of pancreatitis, a nurse should expect to find elevated levels of both lipase and amylase, which are enzymes produced by the pancreas. Elevated trypsin levels can also be associated with pancreatic issues, but this is not commonly measured in blood tests. Measurements of lactase and sucrase are not relevant for diagnosing pancreatitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with pancreatitis, a nurse should expect to observe specific abnormalities in certain pancreatic enzymes on laboratory results. The following findings are typically noted:

• Elevated lipase level: A high serum lipase level is indicative of pancreatitis, as this enzyme is produced by the pancreas and levels increase when the pancreas is inflamed.
• Elevated amylase level: An increased serum amylase level is also suggestive of pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme that the pancreas secretes into the digestive system to help break down carbohydrates.
• Elevated trypsin level: While trypsin is a pancreatic enzyme, routine trypsin measurements are not commonly used as an indicator for pancreatitis in blood tests.

Other enzymes such as lactase and sucrase are not typically associated with pancreatitis, and their levels in the blood are not commonly measured for this condition. Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, and sucrase breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose; neither is an indicator of pancreatic inflammation.