A nurse is assisting in the care of a child in the pediatrician's office. Exhibits Which of the following symptoms is the child at risk of developing?

Rationale: • Chronic respiratory infections: A positive sweat chloride test confirms cystic fibrosis, a condition characterized by thick mucus that obstructs airways, leading to persistent cough, wheezing, and a high risk of recurrent lung infections due to impaired mucus clearance. • Malabsorption: Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas by blocking enzyme flow needed for digestion. This results in poor nutrient absorption, causing symptoms like excessive hunger, weight loss despite eating well, and abdominal distension, all of which are evident in this child. • Bone marrow failure: There are no signs of pancytopenia, anemia, or infection susceptibility that would suggest bone marrow dysfunction. Cystic fibrosis does not typically impact hematopoietic function directly. • Hypernatremia: Although cystic fibrosis can lead to salt imbalances due to abnormal chloride transport, hypernatremia is not commonly a presenting concern unless there's severe dehydration, which is not evident here. • Excessive weight gain: The child is losing weight despite increased appetite. Malabsorption from pancreatic insufficiency prevents weight gain in cystic fibrosis, making excessive weight gain an unlikely risk.