Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
The nurse is reviewing the results of a sweat test performed on a child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Which finding should the nurse identify as supporting this diagnosis?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic multisystem disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction. A consistent finding of abnormally high chloride concentrations in the sweat is a unique characteristic of CF. Normally the sweat chloride concentration is less than 40 mEq/L. A sweat chloride concentration greater than 60 mEq/L is diagnostic of CF. Potassium concentration is unrelated to the sweat test.