A patient is being assessed for acute pancreatic dysfunction. Which of the following should be ensured prior to drawing serum laboratory samples to assist in the diagnosis of this patient?
1. maintain on bed rest
2. draw the serum amylase level first since it is a more accurate predictor of pancreatic function
3. restrict from food for at least 8 hours prior to drawing a sample for serum lipase
4. ensure that serum lipase P is drawn
3
Rationale: Serum lipase levels can be elevated by use of opioids or consumption of food within 8 hours before the serum level is drawn therefore the patient should be restricted from food for at least 8 hours prior to drawing the sample. Bedrest will not impact a patient's laboratory values. Serum lipase, and not amylase, is a more accurate predictor of pancreatic function. Serum amylase P and not lipase P is used to help rule out non-pancreatic elevations in amylase levels.
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