Practice Question
A nurse at an emergency department is caring for a child who was admitted with cystic fibrosis. The child's parent is given the following laboratory results: sodium 128 mg/dL (136 to 145 mEq/dL), blood glucose 268 g/dL (70 to 100 g/dL), potassium 4.2 mEq/L (3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L), and oxygen saturation 88% on 2 L/min via nasal canula (95% to 100%). The parent ask how the values relate to cystic fibrosis. Which of the following statements by the nurse is accurate?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
"The condition affects the movement of sodium and water, lowering sodium levels."
Rationale:
💎 Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defect in the CFTR protein, which disrupts the movement of chloride, sodium, and water across epithelial cells.
💎 This leads to abnormal salt and water balance, causing salty sweat and potential loss of sodium through sweat, especially in hot weather or illness, contributing to hyponatremia (low sodium).
💎 The lab result of sodium 128 mEq/L (low) is consistent with this pathophysiology and is relevant to CF fluid and electrolyte disturbances.
💎 The nurse’s statement correctly links the underlying channel dysfunction in CF with the altered sodium level in the lab report.
💎 This explanation helps the parent understand that CF affects much more than just mucus—it also affects salt and water balance in the body.
“Oxygen saturation levels elevate due to scaring of lung tissue and impairment of gas exchange.”
💎 In cystic fibrosis, scarring and mucus obstruction in the lungs cause impaired gas exchange, but this leads to decreased, not elevated, oxygen saturation.
💎 The child’s oxygen saturation is 88% on 2 L/min, which is low, not high, and reflects hypoxemia due to airway obstruction and chronic lung disease.
💎 Saying oxygen saturation levels “elevate” is incorrect and contradicts the actual lab result as well as the disease process.
💎 Impaired gas exchange typically results in hypoxia and low SpO₂, requiring oxygen support and airway clearance, not elevated saturation.
💎 Therefore, this statement confuses the effect of lung scarring and does not accurately relate the oxygen value to CF.
“The condition impairs the function of the intestines, therefore affecting blood glucose levels.”
💎 CF can affect the pancreas, leading to cystic fibrosis–related diabetes, which may elevate blood glucose, but this is typically due to pancreatic endocrine dysfunction, not primary intestinal impairment.
💎 The statement incorrectly attributes the altered glucose level (268 mg/dL) to intestinal dysfunction, when in CF it is more related to pancreatic damage.
💎 While CF does cause thick secretions in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption, this is not the direct mechanism for hyperglycemia.
💎 The question specifically highlights sodium, potassium, glucose, and oxygen saturation, and the best direct CF link from the options is sodium balance.
💎 Thus, this statement is partially related but not accurate in its explanation and is not the best answer.
“The condition produces mucus in the lungs, affecting potassium levels.”
💎 CF is characterized by thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs, but this does not directly affect potassium balance.
💎 The potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L is within normal range, which does not suggest a primary potassium issue.
💎 CF pathophysiology is more closely tied to chloride and sodium transport, airway mucus plugging, infection, and digestive/pancreatic problems, rather than potassium abnormalities.
💎 Stating that CF affects potassium levels misdirects understanding and does not match the lab pattern shown.
💎 Therefore, this statement is inaccurate in explaining how CF relates to the provided lab values.
Want to practice more questions like this?
This question is from Custom PNSG Respiratory Cardiac Exam Fall 2025 which contains 42 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A nurse is assisting with the care of a 13-year-old who has an atrial septal defect (ASD). Their caregivers raise concerns regarding mood changes, reporting the child seems more anxious and worried than usual over the past year. Considering the diagnosis of ASD, which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse to make?
Answer Choices:
A nurse is collecting data from a newborn, including obtaining blood pressure measurements at each extremity. Which of the following findings suggests coarctation of the aorta?
Answer Choices:
A nurse caring for a child who is receiving oxygen therapy and is on a continuous oxygen saturation monitor that is reading 89%. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Answer Choices:
A nurse is reinforcing education to the family of a client who has infective endocarditis. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is accurate regarding this condition?
Answer Choices:
A nurse is reviewing assessment findings for a 2-year-old toddler who has bronchitis. For which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate a prescription for a chest x-ray?
Answer Choices:
From Exam
Custom PNSG Respiratory Cardiac Exam Fall 2025
42 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: 💫PN Custom Exam(s)
- Answer Choices: 4