QLexNursing

🧬 Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme):

💠 This is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I enzyme that cleaves extracellular DNA in the mucus of clients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

💠This DNA is released by degenerating neutrophils and contributes to the viscosity of mucus.

💠 By reducing this thickness, Dornase alfa improves airway clearance, reduces infection risk, and helps maintain pulmonary function.

🧬 Acetaminophen:

💠As an antipyretic and mild analgesic, acetaminophen is appropriate for managing fever and mild pain in pediatric clients.

💠 Children with CF are prone to recurrent infections and may present with elevated body temperature, making acetaminophen a safe and effective choice due to its minimal gastrointestinal effects.

🧬 Water-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):

💠These fat-soluble vitamins must be given in water-miscible forms in clients with CF due to their pancreatic insufficiency, which leads to malabsorption of fats.

💠 Deficiencies in these vitamins can result in impaired vision (Vit A), bone health issues (Vit D), coagulopathy (Vit K), and immune dysfunction (Vit E).

🧬 Pancreatic lipase (Pancrelipase):

💠A digestive enzyme replacement vital in CF, as these clients produce insufficient enzymes due to pancreatic duct blockage from thick mucus.

💠Supplementation aids in nutrient absorption, especially fats and proteins, thus preventing failure to thrive and steatorrhea (foul-smelling, greasy stools).