We derive an explicit formula for the quantum mutual entropy as a measure of the total correlations in a multi-level atom interacting with a cavity field. We describe its theoretical basis and discuss its practical relevance. The effect of the number of levels involved on the quantum mutual entropy is demonstrated via examples of three-, four- and five-level atom. Numerical calculations under current experimental conditions are performed and it is found that the number of levels present changes the general features of the correlations dramatically.