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?

Choice A reason: Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count is not expected in acute pancreatitis, which typically causes elevated WBC due to inflammation from autodigestion of pancreatic tissue by enzymes like trypsin. Leukocytosis reflects the body’s immune response to pancreatic injury, making this choice incorrect for the condition. Choice B reason: Increased serum amylase is a hallmark of acute pancreatitis, as damaged pancreatic acinar cells release amylase into the bloodstream. Levels often rise within hours of symptom onset, reflecting autodigestion from premature enzyme activation, making this the expected laboratory finding in acute pancreatitis. Choice C reason: Decreased serum lipase is not expected in acute pancreatitis. Lipase levels rise due to pancreatic cell damage, often remaining elevated longer than amylase. This enzyme’s release into the blood is a key diagnostic marker, making this choice incorrect for the condition’s presentation. Choice D reason: Increased serum calcium is not typical in acute pancreatitis. Hypocalcemia may occur due to calcium binding with fat necrosis products (saponification) from enzyme leakage. Elevated calcium is unrelated to pancreatitis pathophysiology, making this choice incorrect for expected laboratory findings.