Question

A nurse is caring for a client undergoing testing for cystic fibrosis. What tests should the nurse anticipate being completed and what results will indicate a positive result

Answer 1

Diagnostic Procedures: DNA testing: To isolate the mutation

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Evaluate the small airways

Chest x-ray: Can indicate diffuse atelectasis and obstructive emphysema Abdominal x-ray: Detect meconium ileus

Stool analysis: For the presence of fat and enzymes

Duodenal analysis: Analyze pancreatic trypsin levels (NG tube)

Sweat chloride test: The child must be well hydrated to ensure accurate test results. A device that uses an electrical current stimulates sweat production. Collection of sweat from two different sites for adequate sample.

Expected reference range is chloride content less than 40 mEq/L and sodium content less than 70 mEq/L (Chloride greater than 40 mEq/L for infants less than 3 months of age and greater than 60 mEq/L for all others; sodium greater than 90 mEq)