A nurse is caring for a child with cystic fibrosis.
The nurse is responsible for providing nutritional support as part of the treatment plan.
What is an appropriate nursing intervention in this context?
A.
“You should avoid high-calorie foods to prevent weight gain.”
B.
“Let’s discuss ways to incorporate a high-protein diet into your child’s meals.”
C.
“We won’t worry about the diet; it doesn’t impact cystic fibrosis.”
D.
“Your child should limit food intake to avoid digestive issues.”
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. “Let’s discuss ways to incorporate a high-protein diet into your child’s meals.”
Explanation:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, leading to thick, sticky mucus production. This mucus can cause blockages and inflammation, particularly in the digestive system, which impacts the absorption of nutrients and results in malabsorption and poor growth.
Nutritional support is critical in managing cystic fibrosis because individuals with CF have higher nutritional needs due to increased energy expenditure, poor absorption of nutrients, and the need to counteract the effects of chronic lung infections and inflammation. A high-calorie, high-protein diet is often recommended to help ensure adequate growth and maintain a healthy weight.
Option B is appropriate because it focuses on enhancing the child’s nutritional intake, which is crucial for managing CF. A high-protein diet helps support growth and repair, provides necessary energy, and can help address the malabsorption issues commonly associated with the condition. The nurse should work with the family to identify high-protein foods and strategies for incorporating these into the child’s meals, ensuring the diet meets the child’s specific needs and preferences.
In contrast:
- Option A is incorrect because high-calorie foods are often recommended, not avoided, to help meet the increased energy requirements of individuals with CF.
- Option C is incorrect because diet plays a significant role in managing CF, and nutritional strategies are an important part of the treatment plan.
- Option D is incorrect because limiting food intake is not advisable; instead, the focus should be on optimizing food intake to ensure adequate nutrition and energy.
Overall, a high-protein, high-calorie diet is integral to supporting the health and growth of children with cystic fibrosis, making Option B the most appropriate nursing intervention.