A patient with symptoms consistent with pancreatitis reports feeling ill for the past week. Which diagnostic test will provide the most definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis?
1. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
2. Serum lipase
3. Serum amylase
4. Complete blood count
2
Rationale 1: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is used to assess for the presence of inflammation but is not specific to pancreatitis.
Rationale 2: The patient indicates that the illness has lasted for a week. The serum lipase results are more sensitive and will be most beneficial given the delay in seeking treatment. The serum lipase results will remain elevated for up to 14 days.
Rationale 3: Serum amylase alone is not specific for pancreatitis as it will become elevated with other conditions.
Rationale 4: A complete blood count will reflect the presence of infection but will not be specific for pancreatitis.
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