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?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Trim the fat from red meat prior to cooking: Children with cystic fibrosis often require higher fat intake due to malabsorption, so removing fat is not recommended unless medically indicated for another reason. B. Give the child hot foods to reduce the sense of fullness: There is no physiological basis to suggest that giving hot foods reduces a sense of fullness in children with cystic fibrosis. Large volumes or very hot/cold foods could potentially exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort. fullness is more effectively managed with enzyme support and meal planning. C. Provide a diet high in protein and calories: Due to increased energy needs and poor nutrient absorption, children with cystic fibrosis benefit from a high-calorie, high-protein diet to support growth and maintain weight. D. Administer pancreatic enzymes 30 min after meals: Pancreatic enzymes should be given just before or at the start of meals to aid digestion effectively. Giving them 30 minutes after eating would not support optimal nutrient absorption.