A parent tells a nurse that her toddler drinks a quart of milk a day and has a poor appetite for solid foods. The nurse should explain that the toddler is at risk for which of the following disorders?

Consuming a large amount of milk, such as a quart a day, can lead to iron deficiency anemia in toddlers. Milk is a poor source of iron, and excessive milk intake can displace other iron-rich foods from the toddler's diet.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce enough hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. Toddlers are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency anemia because they have increased iron needs for growth and development.

Option A (Obesity) and option B (Diabetes mellitus) are not directly related to the toddler's milk consumption. Obesity may be a concern if the child consumes excessive calories overall, but it is not specifically associated with milk intake. Similarly, diabetes mellitus is not directly related to milk consumption.

Option D (Rickets) is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, not iron. Rickets results in weakened and deformed bones, and it is usually associated with inadequate sunlight exposure and insufficient dietary vitamin D. While milk is often fortified with vitamin D, excessive milk intake can displace other vitamin D sources in the diet and contribute to an increased risk of rickets, but the primary concern with excessive milk intake is iron deficiency anemia.

D. "My child will take the enzymes to help digest the fat in foods."
Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the exocrine glands, leading to thick and sticky mucus production, which can block the pancreatic ducts. As a result, children with CF have difficulty digesting fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is prescribed to help improve fat digestion and nutrient absorption. These enzymes are taken with meals and snacks to aid in the breakdown of fats.
The other options are incorrect:
A. "My child will take the enzymes following meals." - This is the correct timing for taking pancreatic enzymes. The enzymes should be taken with meals and snacks, not following meals.
B. "My child will take the enzymes to improve her metabolism." - The purpose of taking pancreatic enzymes is not related to improving metabolism but to assist in fat digestion and nutrient absorption.
C. "My child will take the enzymes 2 hours before meals." - Taking pancreatic enzymes 2 hours before meals is not the recommended timing. They should be taken with meals and snacks to aid in fat digestion while eating.