A nurse is teaching the guardians of a school-age child who has cystic fibrosis about dietary needs. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. “Offer your child foods that are high in fat”: Children with cystic fibrosis have difficulty absorbing fats due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, so a high-calorie, high-fat diet is essential to meet their increased energy needs and support growth. B. “Offer your child foods that are high in vitamin C”: While vitamin C is important for immune function, it is not specifically emphasized in cystic fibrosis dietary management compared to fat and calorie intake. C. “Offer your child foods that are low in protein”: Protein is crucial for growth and repair, especially in children with cystic fibrosis who have increased metabolic demands; restricting protein could worsen nutritional status. D. “Offer your child foods that are low in calories”: Children with cystic fibrosis require increased calories to maintain weight and support lung function, so recommending low-calorie foods contradicts their dietary needs.