Which laboratory finding should the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with pancreatitis?

In a client diagnosed with pancreatitis, an elevated level of amylase is commonly expected due to the inflammation of the pancreas. Amylase is an enzyme that helps in the digestion of carbohydrates, and it is produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas is inflamed, as in pancreatitis, the enzyme leaks into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated serum levels. Monitoring amylase levels is a key part of diagnosing and managing conditions related to the pancreas.

While other enzymes and lab values are relevant in gastrointestinal disorders, they do not specifically reflect the same acute activity in pancreatitis as amylase does. For example, pepsin is linked to gastric function rather than pancreatic function, and lactase levels pertain to lactose digestion in the intestines. Enterokinase is involved in activating other digestive enzymes in the gut and does not provide direct information about pancreatic function or injury. Therefore, the elevation of amylase is a significant diagnostic marker for pancreatitis.