What symptom may indicate that a pancreatic enzyme replacement is inadequate for a child with cystic fibrosis?

The correct answer is that weight loss may indicate that pancreatic enzyme replacement is inadequate for a child with cystic fibrosis. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas does not produce sufficient digestive enzymes due to thick mucus blocking the pancreatic ducts. This malabsorption of nutrients can lead to inadequate caloric intake and poor growth, resulting in weight loss.

Children with cystic fibrosis typically require pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to help digest food properly. If the dosage is insufficient or not effectively managing the child's digestive needs, they may not gain enough weight or even lose weight, highlighting the inadequacy of the enzyme therapy.

While abdominal cramping could relate to digestive issues, it isn't as specific or direct an indicator of inadequate enzyme replacement as weight loss is. Frequent coughing might arise from respiratory issues common in cystic fibrosis but does not directly relate to enzyme efficacy. Fatigue after meals can be a symptom of various digestive problems, but it does not specifically indicate an insufficient level of pancreatic enzymes like weight loss does. Thus, weight loss stands out as a clear clinical sign of inadequate pancreatic enzyme replacement in this context.