Cystic fibrosis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Cystic fibrosis
Also testable as: CF
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Inherited CFTR gene disorder affects chloride transport and secretions.
- Thick sticky mucus blocks airways and pancreatic ducts, causing lung infection risk and malabsorption.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bronchodilators | May support airway clearance when ordered. |
| Antibiotics by class | Used for bacterial pulmonary infections or prophylaxis in selected plans. |
Signs / symptoms
- Thick mucus plus recurrent respiratory infections.
- Greasy bulky stools indicate malabsorption.
- Pancreatic enzymes with meals/snacks.
Nursing actions
- Assess respiratory effort, cough/sputum, oxygenation, growth, stools, hydration, and infection signs.
- Support airway clearance, pancreatic enzyme timing with meals/snacks if ordered, high-calorie nutrition, and infection prevention.
- Teach salt/fluid needs, medication adherence, and when to report respiratory decline or fever.
Complications
- Bronchiectasis
- Respiratory failure
- Malnutrition
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Diabetes
NCLEX cues
- Thick mucus plus recurrent respiratory infections.
- Greasy bulky stools indicate malabsorption.
- Pancreatic enzymes with meals/snacks.
Memory hooks
- CF clogs lungs and pancreas.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Sweat chloride test
- Newborn screening
- Sputum cultures
- Pulmonary function testing
- Weight/growth trends
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.
Cross references
Related cards are generated from the shared study map, not hand-built per page.
Condition card for Cystic fibrosis: recognize the testable cue, prevent the complication, and choose the safest first nursing action.
Education and risk discussion for inherited conditions, carrier status, testing, and family planning.
Genetic disorder with thick secretions affecting lungs, digestion, and infection risk.
Targets bacterial growth or cell structures; exact teaching depends on the antibiotic class.
Opens narrowed airways by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle or reducing vagal bronchoconstriction.
Techniques that help mobilize and remove respiratory secretions.
Respiratory specimen collected to identify infectious organisms.