The caregivers of a child who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis 5 months ago report that they have been following all of the suggested guidelines for nutrition, fluid intake, and exercise, but the child has been having bouts of constipation and diarrhea. The nurse tells the caregiver to increase the amount of which substance in the child’s diet?

Choice A reason: Increasing protein calories doesn’t address malabsorption causing constipation and diarrhea in cystic fibrosis. Pancreatic enzymes improve nutrient absorption, making this irrelevant and incorrect compared to the need to correct digestive issues due to enzyme deficiency in the child’s dietary management. Choice B reason: Saturated fat doesn’t resolve malabsorption-related constipation and diarrhea in cystic fibrosis and may worsen symptoms. Pancreatic enzymes correct enzyme deficiency, making this inappropriate and incorrect compared to the dietary adjustment needed to manage the child’s gastrointestinal symptoms effectively. Choice C reason: Iodized salt supports hydration in cystic fibrosis but doesn’t address malabsorption causing diarrhea and constipation. Pancreatic enzymes target digestive issues, making this incorrect, as it fails to correct the underlying enzyme deficiency responsible for the child’s gastrointestinal symptoms. Choice D reason: Pancreatic enzymes improve fat and nutrient absorption in cystic fibrosis, reducing constipation and diarrhea due to malabsorption. This aligns with pediatric cystic fibrosis management, making it the correct substance to increase in the child’s diet to address the reported gastrointestinal symptoms.