1. M.T.'s parents would like to have another child. What is the probability that a future child would have cystic fibrosis? (Hint: What is the genetic status of each parent?) In order for M.T. to have cystic fibrosis, it means that one or both of her parents have to be carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene. According to California Department of Public Health (2011), “When one parent is a CF carrier, there is a 50% chance with each pregnancy that the baby will also be a CF carrier. If both parents are found to be carriers, there is a 25% chance of having a child with CF in each future pregnancy”.
2. Describe the basic pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and briefly describe the various effects in the body.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder and several mutations to the CFTR gene have been identified and relate to a protein involved in chloride ion transport in the cell membrane (VanMeter & Hubert, 2014). According to VanMeter & Hubert (2014), this defect in the exocrine glands results in abnormally thick secretions, also known as tenacious mucus. The effects of cystic fibrosis are seen in the pancreas and lungs where the sticky mucus blocks passages (VanMeter & Hubert, 2014).
4.Explain the possible effects on airflow of mucus obstructions in the lungs.