Final answer:
Children with cystic fibrosis are likely to be deficient in vitamins A, D, and K due to malabsorption issues caused by the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a child with cystic fibrosis would anticipate that the child might be deficient in vitamins A, D, and K. Cystic fibrosis can lead to malabsorption of these fat-soluble vitamins because of the disease's impact on pancreatic enzyme function and the digestion of fats. Proper supplementation and monitoring are essential for managing these potential deficiencies in cystic fibrosis patients.
Vitamin A helps maintain connective tissue, vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and bone growth, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Rickets, as another example of a vitamin-related condition, results from improper bone development due to a deficiency in vitamin D and malabsorption of calcium.