A nurse is preparing to teach the parents of a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to include?

Rationale: A. Provide a diet high in protein and calories: Children with cystic fibrosis require increased caloric and protein intake due to higher metabolic demands and malabsorption. A high-protein, high-calorie diet supports growth and energy needs, helping to compensate for nutrient loss. B. Trim the fat from red meat prior to cooking: Fat should not be unnecessarily restricted in the diet of a child with cystic fibrosis. These children need extra fat for energy, and fat-soluble vitamin absorption is often impaired despite enzyme replacement. C. Give the child hot foods to reduce the sense of fullness: There is no evidence that temperature of food affects satiety in children with cystic fibrosis. The focus should remain on maximizing caloric intake, regardless of food temperature preferences. D. Administer pancreatic enzymes 30 min after meals: Pancreatic enzymes should be given immediately before or with meals and snacks to aid digestion. Delaying administration reduces their effectiveness and can lead to malabsorption and gastrointestinal symptoms.