Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should be included in the nutritional care plan for a preschooler with cystic fibrosis?

1. Administer pancreatic enzymes 2 hours after meals

2. Discontinue pancreatic enzymes if steatorrhea develops

3. Limit fluid intake to 750 mL per day

4. Increase fat content in the child's diet to 40%

The correct answer is: Increase fat content in the child's diet to 40%

Including an increased fat content in the diet of a preschooler with cystic fibrosis is essential due to the body's difficulty in absorbing nutrients effectively. Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas, which can lead to insufficient production of digestive enzymes required for proper fat absorption. To compensate for this malabsorption, dietary fat intake is often elevated, constituting a significant portion of the child's overall caloric intake. Fat serves not only as a critical source of calories but also helps provide necessary essential fatty acids, which can be particularly important for growth and development in preschoolers. Managing dietary fat levels allows for better caloric intake and aids in meeting the increased energy requirements associated with cystic fibrosis. Nutritional care plans often focus on ensuring that the child receives adequate nutrition, given their increased metabolic needs and the obstacles to absorption they face due to their condition. In contrast, administering pancreatic enzymes at appropriate times around meals is vital, as these enzymes help the body digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates effectively, rather than waiting two hours after meals. Discontinuing pancreatic enzymes if steatorrhea (fatty stools) develops would not be advisable, as this suggests that the body still requires assistance for proper digestion. Lastly, limiting fluid intake is generally not appropriate for