Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What condition results from the heritable disease cystic fibrosis?

1. Difficulty in cognitive functioning

2. Thick mucus affecting digestive and respiratory systems

3. Emotional disturbances and delusions

4. Development of age-related dementia

The correct answer is: Thick mucus affecting digestive and respiratory systems

The correct answer highlights that cystic fibrosis leads to the production of thick mucus, which significantly impacts the digestive and respiratory systems. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which regulates salt and water transport in cells. This mutation results in the secretion of thick and sticky mucus that obstructs airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and leading to lung infections. Additionally, this thick mucus can block the digestive ducts, hindering the absorption of nutrients and leading to gastrointestinal complications. Other options do not accurately reflect the primary effects of cystic fibrosis. Difficulty in cognitive functioning is not a direct result of the disease, while emotional disturbances and delusions are not typical symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis. Additionally, age-related dementia is unrelated to this genetic condition. Thus, the specificity of thick mucus affecting the digestive and respiratory systems makes it the correct understanding of the implications of cystic fibrosis.