The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the medical-surgical unit with cystic fibrosis
Item 1 of 1
- History and Physical
11-year-old female with cystic fibrosis was admitted with failure to thrive after losing 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) over the past two weeks. This started following a hospitalization because of pneumonia, and the client could not regain the weight. The client's parents agreed to a short hospitalization to collaborate with a nutritionist, intravenous (IV) fluids, and other treatment interventions. On exam, the client is alert and completely oriented. The client has a sunken eye appearance, very dry and flaky skin. Brittle hair and nails were noted. Very thin appearance. No cardiac murmurs were noted, and some rhonchi in both lung fields. Productive cough noted with clear sputum. Bowel sounds were hyperactive in all four quadrants. The client reported no pain.
| Potential Intervention | Indicated | Contraindicated |
|---|---|---|
Weigh the client daily | ||
Perform chest physiotherapy following meals | ||
Inquire about the client's dietary preferences | ||
Administer prescribed pancrelipase after meals | ||
Obtain a prescription for a multivitamin | ||
Encourage snacks that are low in sodium | ||
Plan to collaborate with a registered dietician |
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Endocrine
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
GenerateSolutions
Explanation
- Daily weights to determine if the client is responding to prescribed treatments. These weights should occur in the morning after the client's first void.
- Chest physiotherapy is indicated but should be done one hour before meals. If done immediately after a meal, the client may develop nausea and vomiting, worsening their nutritional status.
- The client should be encouraged to participate in care planning as inquiring about their food preferences provides client-centered care.
- The prescribed pancrelipase, a digestive enzyme used to increase the absorption of nutrients and minerals, is administered immediately during meals or snacks with sufficient fluid.
- Vitamin deficiencies are quite common in CF, and a prescribed multivitamin is helpful. Snacks high in sodium (such as pretzels and popcorn) are recommended because CF causes salt wasting through the skin.
- Collaborating with a registered dietician is recommended to get their expertise on how to treat their nutritional deficiencies.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics

Cystic Fibrosis
31.8 Pediatric Respiratory Conditions
Additional Info
