The nurse is caring for a patient with cholelithiasis who has a new laboratory finding of serum amylase of 300 units/L. The patient states, "My primary health care provider said I don't have pancreatitis." What is the most likely explanation for the laboratory finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elevated serum amylase level suggests that the gallstone is blocking the common bile duct, leading to a backup of pancreatic enzymes. This can cause an increase in serum amylase without necessarily causing pancreatitis.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Cholelithiasis Who