Which of the following discharge teaching should the nurse give a mother for her child who is suffering from cystic fibrosis?

Appeared in: NORCET-7 Mains-2024

Explanation

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) causes exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in up to 90% of patients, blocking the release of digestive enzymes.
Without these enzymes, fats and proteins are not digested, leading to malabsorption, steatorrhea (fatty stools), and failure to thrive.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) must be taken with all food, including meals and snacks, to ensure nutrients are absorbed.
Proper enzyme administration is a cornerstone of nutritional management in CF and is essential for growth and development.

Option B: General social isolation is detrimental to a child's development. The recommendation is not to avoid all children.
Option C: Avoiding outdoor activities is contraindicated. Exercise is a key component of CF care as it improves airway clearance and lung capacity.
Option D: Biannual (every 6 months) examinations are too infrequent for a complex chronic disease like CF.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Discharge teaching and management of Cystic Fibrosis in a pediatric patient to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
The nurse's role in educating the family is critical for adherence to the complex CF treatment regimen, directly impacting the child's nutritional status and long-term outcomes.
Nurses must teach the family not just what to do (give enzymes) but why (to prevent malabsorption), which improves compliance.
Monitoring for signs of malabsorption (e.g., fatty stools, poor weight gain) is a key nursing assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the enzyme dosage.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question: discharge teaching for cystic fibrosis.
Recall the pathophysiology of CF, specifically its effects on the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems.
Evaluate each option based on the standard, evidence-based management guidelines for CF.
Option A addresses the key GI issue (pancreatic insufficiency). This is a fundamental part of CF care.
Options B and C suggest restrictions (social, physical) that are generally contraindicated in CF management, which emphasizes activity and normalization.
Option D addresses follow-up frequency. Consider if 'biannual' is appropriate for a chronic, progressive pediatric disease. It is generally too infrequent.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Discharge teaching and management of Cystic Fibrosis in a pediatric patient.
Stem keywords: discharge teaching, child, cystic fibrosis
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 2 (pp 239-476 of 713) p. 152-154

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 pp. 465-467, 459-461

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