A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a newly hired nurse about the management of care for the terminal illness of a child. Which of the following statements by the newly hired nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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. "Kawasaki disease is an abnormal immune response that only affects the liver." This is incorrect. Kawasaki disease primarily affects the blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries, not just the liver. While liver inflammation can occur, it is not the main concern.

B. "Kawasaki disease is an abnormal immune response that causes injury to the body's muscles." This is incorrect. Kawasaki disease is a vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), not a muscle disorder. It mainly affects the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to aneurysms and long-term cardiac complications.

C. "Kawasaki disease is an abnormal immune response in which the body attacks the skin only." This is incorrect. While skin changes (such as a rash, peeling skin, and red palms/soles) are common symptoms, the primary concern is inflammation of the coronary arteries, which can lead to serious heart complications.

D. "Kawasaki disease is an abnormal immune system response that can weaken the coronary arteries." This is correct. Kawasaki disease triggers inflammation in medium-sized arteries, particularly the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. If untreated, this can lead to coronary artery aneurysms, myocardial infarction, or long-term heart disease.