Final answer:
The optimal roommate for a 16-year-old with cystic fibrosis is a 16-year-old with diabetes, as it is a non-infectious condition that does not increase the risk of respiratory infections for the patient with cystic fibrosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering a room assignment for a 16-year-old with cystic fibrosis, it is crucial to minimize the risk of infection and cross-contamination. Among the options provided, the optimal roommate choice would be b) A 16-year-old with diabetes. This is because diabetes is not an infectious condition and does not pose a risk of transmitting respiratory infections that could potentially be dangerous to a cystic fibrosis patient. Patients with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk for lung infections and require a living environment that minimizes their exposure to infectious agents.
Conversely, a roommate with asthma, pneumonia, or allergies could introduce respiratory pathogens or trigger exacerbations in the respiratory health of the cystic fibrosis patient. Pneumonia, specifically, is highly infectious and could be extremely hazardous for a patient with cystic fibrosis. Proper room assignment is essential in healthcare settings to ensure the well-being and safety of all patients. Hence, a person with a non-communicable condition such as diabetes is the safest choice for a roommate.