What laboratory finding is the primary diagnostic indicator for pancreatitis?
a- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
b- Elevated serum lipase
c- Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
d- Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LD)
Answer B.
Elevation of serum lipase is the most reliable indicator of pancreatitis because this enzyme is produced solely by the pancreas.
A client’s BUN is typically elevated in relation to renal dysfunction; the AST, in relation to liver dysfunction; and LD, in relation to damaged cardiac muscle.
a- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
b- Elevated serum lipase
c- Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
d- Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LD)
Answer B.
Elevation of serum lipase is the most reliable indicator of pancreatitis because this enzyme is produced solely by the pancreas.
A client’s BUN is typically elevated in relation to renal dysfunction; the AST, in relation to liver dysfunction; and LD, in relation to damaged cardiac muscle.
