A nurse is administering pancrelipase to a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse expect as a therapeutic effect of the treatment?

a. Pancrelipase does not directly impact respiratory function. It is an enzyme replacement therapy used to aid digestion by compensating for the lack of pancreatic enzymes, not to improve lung function. b. Cystic fibrosis affects sodium and chloride transport, leading to higher sodium levels in sweat. However, pancrelipase does not affect sodium excretion; it focuses on aiding digestion. c. Pancrelipase helps with the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and are not typically affected by the enzyme therapy used for fat digestion. d. This is the correct answer. Pancrelipase contains enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) that help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. In cystic fibrosis, pancreatic enzyme production is often insufficient, leading to malabsorption and steatorrhea (excessive fat in the stools). By providing the necessary enzymes, pancrelipase helps improve the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, reducing the fat content in the stools.