A patient with epigastric pain has a serum amylase level of 369 ...

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A patient with epigastric pain has a serum amylase level of 369 units/L. What should the nurse do?
 
  1. continue to monitor the patient
  2. refer the patient to a dietician
  3. contact the primary healthcare provider
  4. question the patient regarding alcohol use patterns

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic pancreatitis and a serum amylase level of 180 units/L. Which dietary plan should the nurse instruct the patient to follow?
 
  1. low residue, no alcohol
  2. low fat, no alcohol
  3. low fat, no fiber
  4. mechanical soft

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Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
A normal level for serum amylase is between 0 and 130 units/L. In pancreatitis, the serum amylase increases to two to three times the normal level and remains elevated for 3 to 4 days. The primary healthcare provider should be notified of the patient's symptoms and the laboratory findings. The patient could develop shock. A dietitian is not needed at this time. The nurse can assess the patient's alcohol intake at a later time.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
After the serum amylase level returns to normal, the patient experiencing pancreatitis should be instructed to consume a diet low in fat with no alcohol. A low-residue diet is prescribed for patients experiencing bowel disorders. Almost all patients should consume a low-fat diet, but most patients need increased fiber. A mechanical soft diet is reserved for the patient who needs to conserve energy or has a mouth or dentition disorder.

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