A child with cystic fibrosis is to receive a dose of pancrelipase at 12:00 PM. The client states that he is not hungry and will eat his lunch in an hour. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Question

A child with cystic fibrosis is to receive a dose of pancrelipase at 12:00 PM.  The client states that he is not hungry and will eat his lunch in an hour.  Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreatic excretion of digestive enzymes. Without these enzymes, the client is unable to absorb fats, starches, and some proteins from the diet. Pancrelipase provides these enzymes to the client and must be given with every snack and meal so that the client can digest and absorb the nutrients eaten. If the client is not eating when the medication is scheduled, there are no nutrients to digest. Therefore, the dose should be held until the client eats. Educational objective: Pancrelipase is a medication containing lipase, protease, and amylase. In cystic fibrosis, the client's pancreas does not excrete these necessary enzymes. To prevent malabsorption syndrome, the enzymes must be taken with every snack and every meal.

A Child with Cystic Fibrosis Is to Receive a Dose