When reviewing laboratory results for a client with acute pancreatitis, which lab result is expected?

In acute pancreatitis, one of the hallmark laboratory findings is an elevated serum lipase level. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that is crucial for the digestion of fats. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, as in the case of acute pancreatitis, lipase is released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. This elevation is often seen even in cases where serum amylase might not be significantly elevated or may not reflect the severity of the condition accurately.

Elevated serum lipase is a specific indicator of pancreatic inflammation and damage, which helps clinicians confirm the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. In contrast, other results such as elevated serum bilirubin or decreased serum trypsin would not be expected specifically in the context of acute pancreatitis, as they do not directly relate to the pancreatic damage and inflammation characteristic of this condition.