A day in the life of an adolescent female with cystic fibrosis and the role of the advanced practice nurse: A case study

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is no longer considered a disease of childhood as life expectancy is continuously increasing.  It is still a chronic life-limiting disease that presents unique physiological and psychological challenges to the adolescent who has it.  Adolescence is a period of turbulence for teens with CF who face the primary issues of pulmonary exacerbations, complex medication and nutritional regimens, altered growth and development, and transition to adult health care.  A pseudo-case study of a young adolescent girl with CF is presented to provide insight into the daily struggles that adolescents with CF undertake.  The roles of the advanced practice nurse (APN) as clinician, case manager, and educator are highlighted in the provision of age-appropriate care.