A child who has recently been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis is in a pediatric clinic where a nurse is performing an assessment.
Which later finding of this disease would the nurse not expect to see at this time?
- A- Positive sweat test.
- B- Bulky greasy stools.
- C- Moist, productive cough.
- D- Meconium ileus.
The answer is D. Meconium ileus.
Here's why:
- Positive sweat test:
This is a diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis and is expected to be positive in a child with the disease.
- Bulky greasy stools:
These are a common symptom of cystic fibrosis due to pancreatic insufficiency, and may be present at any stage of the disease.
- Moist, productive cough:
This is another common symptom of cystic fibrosis and can be present early on.
- Meconium ileus:
This is a blockage of the newborn's intestines by thick meconium, the first stool passed after birth. While it is a complication of cystic fibrosis, it occurs within the first 48 hours of life and would not be expected to be seen in a child undergoing an assessment at a pediatric clinic.
Therefore, meconium ileus is the finding that the nurse would not expect to see at this time in a child with newly diagnosed cystic fibrosis.
It's important to note that cystic fibrosis can have a wide range of symptoms and presentations, and the timing of these symptoms can vary. However, meconium ileus is a specific finding that is typically present in the newborn period and not later in life.
