Final answer:
Elevated sweat chloride levels are indicative of cystic fibrosis because people with CF have significantly higher levels of chloride in their sweat, caused by mutations in the CFTR gene.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which documentation further supports the diagnosis of CF? The correct answer is D) Elevated sweat chloride levels. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. CF is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, resulting in faulty or absent CFTR protein function, which affects the movement of sodium chloride (salt) in and out of cells. This leads to thick, sticky mucus in various organs. An important diagnostic test for CF is the analysis of sweat chloride levels, where elevated levels are indicative of the disease, since individuals with CF have two to five times the normal amount of chloride in their sweat.