A child who has recently been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis is in a pediatric clinic where a nurse is performing an assessment

A child who has recently been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis is in a pediatric clinic where a nurse is performing an assessment.

Which later finding of this disease would the nurse not expect to see at this time?

• A- Positive sweat test.
• B- Bulky greasy stools.
• C- Moist, productive cough.
• D- Meconium ileus.

The answer is D. Meconium ileus.

Here's why:

- Positive sweat test:

This is a diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis and is expected to be positive in a child with the disease.

- Bulky greasy stools:

These are a common symptom of cystic fibrosis due to pancreatic insufficiency, and may be present at any stage of the disease.

- Moist, productive cough:

This is another common symptom of cystic fibrosis and can be present early on.

- Meconium ileus:

This is a blockage of the newborn's intestines by thick meconium, the first stool passed after birth. While it is a complication of cystic fibrosis, it occurs within the first 48 hours of life and would not be expected to be seen in a child undergoing an assessment at a pediatric clinic.

Therefore, meconium ileus is the finding that the nurse would not expect to see at this time in a child with newly diagnosed cystic fibrosis.

It's important to note that cystic fibrosis can have a wide range of symptoms and presentations, and the timing of these symptoms can vary. However, meconium ileus is a specific finding that is typically present in the newborn period and not later in life.