A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis.

Which laboratory result would the nurse expect to find elevated?

Choice A rationale
Autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes and can affect various autonomic functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It is caused by damage to the autonomic nerves due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale
Diabetic-induced leukocyte depletion is not a recognized complication of diabetes. Diabetes primarily affects blood vessels and nerves rather than causing leukocyte depletion.
Choice C rationale
Diabetic-induced angiopathy refers to damage to blood vessels caused by diabetes. While it is a recognized complication, autonomic neuropathy is more directly related to diabetic-induced complications.
Choice D rationale
Overdrive of the RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) is not a specific complication of diabetes. While diabetes can affect the RAAS, it is not the most likely condition related to diabetic-induced complications.

Choice A rationale
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps to lower potassium levels by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to work and does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias caused by hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the client’s cardiac rhythm is the first intervention because hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of these arrhythmias, which is crucial for the client’s safety.
Choice C rationale
Restricting dietary potassium intake is an important long-term management strategy for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias and is not the first intervention.
Choice D rationale
Preparing the client for hemodialysis is a definitive treatment for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to arrange and initiate dialysis. Immediate cardiac monitoring is necessary to manage the acute risk of arrhythmias.