# A nurse teaches a parent about dornase alfa nebulizer for a 9-year-old with cystic fibrosis. Which statement indicates correct understanding of the medication's role?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=391793&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

A nurse teaches a parent about dornase alfa nebulizer for a 9-year-old with cystic fibrosis. Which statement indicates correct understanding of the medication's role?

## Option

1. "This medication cures cystic fibrosis."
2. "This medication should be inhaled only when the child has a cough."
3. "Dornase alfa thins thick mucus by cleaving DNA in sputum; we use it daily and follow with chest physiotherapy to clear secretions." **✔ Correct answer**
4. "We can mix dornase alfa with other inhaled medications in the same nebulizer."

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

Correct (2): Dornase alfa (recombinant human DNase) cleaves extracellular DNA released by neutrophils in CF mucus, thinning sputum and improving clearance. Used once daily, followed by airway clearance (chest physiotherapy, vest). (1) Treats symptoms, not cures. (3) Daily controller, not PRN. (4) Do NOT mix in nebulizer with other drugs.

## In-depth explanation

Memory Tip Dornase alfa = "DNA-ase" — cleaves DNA in mucus. Use ALONE in nebulizer; combine with chest physiotherapy for clearance.

## Clinical scenario

Scenario 9-year-old with cystic fibrosis starting dornase alfa 2.5 mg nebulizer once daily. Parent teaching session.

## Key concepts

- **Dornase alfa** — Recombinant human DNase; cleaves DNA in CF sputum, reducing viscosity.
- **Cystic fibrosis** — Autosomal recessive CFTR mutation; thick mucus in lungs and GI tract; needs daily airway clearance.
- **Pulmonary toilet** — Chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, high-frequency chest wall oscillation (vest) to mobilize secretions.

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