Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCTN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is amylase. This lab value can be elevated in patients with facial fractures, particularly those involving the maxilla or the mandible, due to the potential for salivary gland injury or disruption of the ducts. When facial fractures occur, especially in the areas surrounding the oral cavity, there can be a direct impact on the salivary glands, leading to an increase in amylase levels in the bloodstream as saliva and its enzymes leak into surrounding tissues or are absorbed into circulation.

Amylase is primarily produced by the pancreas and the salivary glands, and its elevation is often associated with conditions that increase its release from these glands, including trauma. In the context of facial fractures, this phenomenon is particularly relevant, as it reflects the damage and the body's biological response to injury.

The other lab values mentioned—glucose, lactate, and bilirubin—are not directly correlated with facial fractures in the same manner as amylase. Glucose levels may be affected by various metabolic processes or injuries but are not specific to facial trauma. Lactate is typically associated with tissue hypoxia or ischemia, and while it can increase in trauma situations, it is not specific to facial fractures. Bilirubin relates to liver