The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which of the following serum amylase levels would the nurse expect?

Explanation

•The normal range for serum amylase is 25-120 U/L. Levels at least 3 times the reference range is indicative of acute pancreatitis.

•In chronic pancreatitis, serum amylase levels are generally slightly elevated. Amylase levels are only slightly elevated because of pancreatic atrophy, causing a decrease in amylase production and storage.

•75U/L and 25U/L are within the normal range.

•200U/L is only slightly elevated, and may be present in chronic pancreatitis.

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