A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. When reviewing the laboratory results, which of the following serum amylase levels would the nurse expect?
Explanation
Answer: D - The nurse expects a serum amylase level of 500 units/L. Serum amylase is a gastric enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into smaller molecules. In healthy individuals, the amylase, produced in the pancreas, is secreted into the pancreatic ducts and then transported to the intestine. If the pancreas is damaged or inflamed, amylase seeps out of the pancreas and is then released into the bloodstream. The normal range of serum amylase is 40 - 140 units/L. An extremely elevated serum amylase indicates acute pancreatitis, diseased gallbladder, or bile duct blockage.
