A nurse is assisting with planning care for a 17-year-old client who may have anorexia nervosa (AN). Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a common reproductive health concern for this client?

A. "The life expectancy for an individual who has this disorder is 25 years of age." Advances in treatment, including improved respiratory therapies and medications like CFTR modulators, have significantly increased life expectancy. Many individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) now live into their 40s or beyond, depending on disease severity and access to medical care.

B. "This disorder is most common in individuals of Northern European descent." CF is most prevalent in individuals of Northern European ancestry, affecting about 1 in 2,500 to 3,500 newborns in this population. It is much less common in individuals of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent.

C. "Heart failure will occur at some point during the progression of CF." CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system due to thick mucus production, but heart failure is not a direct consequence of the disease. However, cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure) can develop secondary to chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypertension in severe cases.

D. "This disorder occurs when the mother has a mutation of the 7th chromosome." CF is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a child must inherit mutated CFTR genes from both parents (not just the mother). The mutation affects the CFTR gene located on chromosome 7, leading to defective chloride transport and thick mucus production.

A. Complete a screening test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By 18 months, most toddlers have said their first word, and a lack of speech development can be an early sign of ASD or other developmental delays. The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is a common screening tool used at this age to assess for autism. Early identification allows for timely interventions.

B. Ask the parent about recent immunizations. While immunization history is important for overall health, there is no connection between vaccines and delayed speech development. This question does not directly address the developmental concern at hand.

C. Educate the parent that toddlers do not typically say their first word until 18-20 months of age. This is incorrect. Most toddlers say their first word around 12 months, and by 18 months, they typically have a vocabulary of several words. A lack of speech at this age warrants further assessment.

D. Ask the parent if the toddler has a history of hospitalizations or surgeries. While medical history is important, hospitalizations or surgeries are not the most common causes of delayed speech. Developmental screening is the most appropriate next step in evaluating speech delays.