A nurse assesses a patient who is reporting epigastric pain. The patient's serum amylase level is 369 units/L. The nurse's best action is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A serum amylase level of 369 units/L may indicate pancreatitis. Therefore, the nurse should contact the primary healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. Referring the patient to a dietician or questioning the patient about alcohol use patterns may be appropriate interventions, but the priority should be to address the potential acute medical condition. Continuing to monitor the patient may delay necessary medical intervention.

A Nurse Assesses a Patient Who Is Reporting Epigastric Pain