A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?

Rationale: A. Serum calcium levels are often decreased in acute pancreatitis due to fat saponification, not increased. B. Serum lipase is typically elevated, not decreased, in acute pancreatitis, and is often more specific than amylase for pancreatic injury. C. WBC count usually increases due to inflammation and possible infection; a decreased WBC is not expected. D. Increased serum amylase is a hallmark laboratory finding in acute pancreatitis. Amylase is released from damaged pancreatic cells into the bloodstream. Levels typically rise within 6–12 hours of onset of symptoms and remain elevated for 3–5 days. Monitoring amylase, along with lipase (which remains elevated longer), helps confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of pancreatic inflammation. Elevated amylase, in the context of abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and vomiting, supports the provider’s suspicion of acute pancreatitis.