A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of following values?

Rationale: A. RBC count is not typically affected by acute pancreatitis unless there is bleeding, which is uncommon. B. Serum amylase is elevated in acute pancreatitis because pancreatic inflammation leads to the release of digestive enzymes into the bloodstream. Amylase levels usually rise within 6–12 hours of symptom onset and remain elevated for 3–5 days. C. Calcium levels often decrease in acute pancreatitis due to fat saponification, not increase. D. Magnesium levels are usually normal or decreased, but elevation is not a typical finding in pancreatitis.