A nurse is educating the family of a child with cystic fibrosis about infection prevention strategies.
What should the nurse recommend for effective infection control?

"You'll need to take bronchodilators as prescribed.”.

Choice A rationale:

Bronchodilators are commonly prescribed to children with cystic fibrosis to help open airways, making it easier for them to breathe.

These medications assist in relieving airway constriction and improving respiratory function.

Choice B rationale:

Stating that "antibiotics are unnecessary for cystic fibrosis" is incorrect.

Antibiotics are often required for cystic fibrosis patients to treat and prevent respiratory infections, which are common due to the thick mucus buildup in the airways.

Choice C rationale:

Mucolytics are medications that help thin and mobilize mucus in the airways.

Advising the child to "avoid mucolytics" is not appropriate, as these drugs can be beneficial in managing cystic fibrosis by facilitating mucus clearance and reducing the risk of lung infections.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the child to "skip the medications; they won't help" is incorrect and potentially dangerous advice.

Medications prescribed for cystic fibrosis are essential for managing the disease, and skipping them can lead to worsened symptoms and complications.

Administer respiratory treatments, including chest physiotherapy.

C. Emphasize the importance of hand hygiene.

D. Provide psychological counseling and support.

Choice A rationale:

Administering respiratory treatments, including chest physiotherapy, is essential in managing cystic fibrosis in children.

Cystic fibrosis often results in thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, making it difficult to clear airway secretions.

Chest physiotherapy helps loosen and mobilize these secretions, improving lung function and reducing the risk of respiratory infections.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging a low-calorie, low-protein diet is not an appropriate intervention for managing cystic fibrosis in children.

Children with cystic fibrosis typically have increased nutritional needs due to malabsorption of nutrients, and a low-calorie, low-protein diet could exacerbate their nutritional deficiencies and growth issues.

Choice C rationale:

Emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene is a crucial nursing intervention for managing cystic fibrosis in children.

Cystic fibrosis patients are more susceptible to respiratory infections, and good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of infections, which is especially important in a healthcare setting.

Choice D rationale:

Providing psychological counseling and support is essential for children with cystic fibrosis.

The chronic nature of the disease, frequent hospitalizations, and daily treatments can take a toll on a child's mental health.

Psychological support helps them cope with the emotional challenges and stress associated with their condition.

Choice E rationale:

Avoiding exercise and physical activity is not an appropriate intervention for managing cystic fibrosis in children.

Physical activity is beneficial for maintaining lung function and overall health in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

It helps improve airway clearance and strengthen respiratory muscles.