Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Research Paper Example

Introduction to Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the secretory glands, that includes the glands responsible for mucus and sweet formation. People who have cystic fibrosis inherit two genes that cause the disease one from each parent. However, the parents, who transmit the disease to the child, might not necessarily suffer from the disease. This disease mostly affects lungs, intestines, sinuses, sex organs, and pancreases. The signs and symptoms differ from individual to individual, but one of the earliest sign is that baby skin tastes salty when kissed, and difficulties in passing of stool when born. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, liver disease, and severe constipation, among others (Government, 2010).

The disease causes nutrition complication because it increases the body requirements for nutrients required in energy formation, development, as well as maintenance. In addition, the disease makes it be difficult for the patient to obtain these nutrients in their body due to its effect in the digestion process. Both children and adults suffering from cystic fibrosis need to consume a diet rich in a high calorie, high fat content, vitamin supplements, and pancreatic enzymes are required in facilitation of digestion (Springhouse, 2007).

To boost digestive system patients need to tale pancreatic enzymes supplements. They will help in fast digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients. The cystic fibrosis patient needs food rich in high calories. This is because of the following reasons. Firstly, they need more energy to assist them in breathing. Secondly, a lot of energy is wasted in fighting sickness such as fever. Lastly, they always have digestion problems leading to lack of absorption of nutrients into the body. For example, child suffering from this disease should consume 120% to 150 % more calories compared to a health child (Government, 2010).

People suffering from the disease have tremendous high protein requirements. This is because protein is useful in energy production, growth of body tissues and maintenance, and they are responsible in strengthening of the body immune system. The proteins sources plants, or animals, which may include milk, beans, eggs, fish, and meat, among others. In addition, these patients need to take foods reach in vitamins, or should take the vitamins supplements to increase the vitamins content (Springhouse, 2007).

Another nutrients requirement for patients is salt. This is because these patients loose salt during sweating. These nutrients are obtained from the consumption of the sodium chloride in food.

Cystic fibrosis patients should avoid foods that take time in the digestion track. This is because this disease causes digestion complication in patients. This results from lack of proper functioning of pancreas, small intestines, and other organs responsible for the digestion process. Cystic fibrosis patients should avoid food reach in fat because fat’s digestion takes time. However, with the introduction of the enzyme supplements this is no longer a problem because these enzymes speed the digestion of fats and assist in fast absorption of nutrients (Government, 2010).

The main goal of nurses is to help the patient manage his health condition with less difficulty. The nurse care plan to the patient includes three component medication, nutrition, and exercise of patient. The nurses should ensure that the patient is undergoing requires medication to alleviate the situation. Secondly, another consideration is on dieting. Nurses ensure that patients get the best diet putting into consideration the patient age and the degree of the disease. Finally, nurses care plan incorporates exercises in the patient’s recovery program. In conclusion, the consideration off nurses is mainly aimed at assisting the patient in management of his health issues (Springhouse, 2007).

Reference

Government ( 2010, August 13). Cystic Fibrosis. Retrieved October 14, 2011, from Medecinenet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/cystic_fibrosis/article.htm

Springhouse (2007). Visual nursing: a guide to diseases, skills, and treatments. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.