Question

A child with cystic fibrosis is receiving pancreatic enzymes as part of the treatment plan. Which statement by the parents indicates that they understand how to administer these drugs to their daughter?

A) ""We will give her the drugs before she eats a meal or snack.""
B) ""We can open the capsule and sprinkle it on applesauce if necessary.""
C) ""Her dose will remain the same regardless of how much or what she eats.""
D) ""If she takes the enzymes, we won't have to give her vitamin supplements.""

Answer 1

The correct administration of pancreatic enzymes for a child with cystic fibrosis involves sprinkling the contents of the capsule on food like applesauce, and the dosage may vary with diet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement by the parents that indicates they understand how to administer pancreatic enzymes to their daughter with cystic fibrosis is: "We can open the capsule and sprinkle it on applesauce if necessary." This allows for the enzymes to be mixed with food, facilitating their activation in the duodenum, where they are needed for digestion. The enzymes should be taken with food, as they are meant to aid in digestion. The parents must be aware that the dosage may vary depending on the amount and type of food consumed, and that vitamin supplements may still be necessary, since cystic fibrosis can also affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.