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 are 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.

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

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

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