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?

The correct answer is choice b. Reduced fat in the stools. Choice A rationale: Decreased sodium excretion is not a therapeutic effect of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase is an enzyme replacement therapy that helps in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, but it does not affect sodium excretion. Choice B rationale: Reduced fat in the stools is the correct answer. Pancrelipase helps in the digestion of fats, which reduces the amount of fat excreted in the stools. This is particularly important for patients with cystic fibrosis, who often have pancreatic insufficiency leading to malabsorption of fats. Choice C rationale: Improved respiratory function is not a direct therapeutic effect of pancrelipase. While better nutrition and absorption can indirectly support overall health, including respiratory function, pancrelipase specifically targets digestive enzyme insufficiency. Choice D rationale: Improved absorption of vitamins B and C is not the primary therapeutic effect of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) rather than water-soluble vitamins like B and C.