Final answer:
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system, characterized by thick, sticky mucus production. Immediate treatment includes respiratory therapy, antibiotics, and pancreatic enzymes; further management is tailored to individual needs. Counseling is essential to support patients and families.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system due to a defect in the CFTR gene. This defect causes the production of thick, sticky mucus, leading to various complications such as chronic lung infections and pancreatic insufficiency. The immediate management of CF includes respiratory therapy to clear mucus, administration of antibiotics for infections, and pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion.
Upon suspicion of CF, a thorough physical examination should be performed, focusing on respiratory, digestive, and nutritional status. Confirmatory tests such as a sweat chloride test or genetic testing for CFTR mutations may follow.
Admission orders for a patient with CF should include ongoing respiratory therapy, infection control procedures, and nutritional support. Initial orders might also involve chest physiotherapy and vitamin supplementation. After obtaining results from diagnostic tests, treatments should be tailored to the individual's specific needs, which may include adjustments in antibiotic therapy or changes in respiratory treatments.
The final orders for a patient with CF involve establishing a long-term management plan that can include regular follow-ups, continuous respiratory therapy, nutritional guidance, and possibly gene therapy trials. Counseling for patients with CF and their families is crucial for dealing with the psychological and social impacts of the disease.