Which description of a stool is most characteristic of fat malabsorption in cystic fibrosis?

Which description of a stool is most characteristic of fat malabsorption in cystic fibrosis?

• A. Soft, odorless stool
• B. Large, foul-smelling stool
• C. Dry, pale stools
• D. Hard, clay-colored stools

Answer: (B)

In cystic fibrosis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency means enzymes like lipase aren’t reaching the gut to digest fats. When fats aren’t absorbed, they stay in the intestinal lumen and are excreted in stool, creating steatorrhea. That lean, greasy fat in the stool makes it bulky and malodorous, which is why a large, foul-smelling stool is the description most characteristic of fat malabsorption in CF. Stool that’s soft and odorless isn’t typical of fat malabsorption; pale or dry stools can point to other issues like reduced bile flow, and hard, clay-colored stools suggest biliary obstruction rather than CF-related fat malabsorption.

In cystic fibrosis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency means enzymes like lipase aren’t reaching the gut to digest fats. When fats aren’t absorbed, they stay in the intestinal lumen and are excreted in stool, creating steatorrhea. That lean, greasy fat in the stool makes it bulky and malodorous, which is why a large, foul-smelling stool is the description most characteristic of fat malabsorption in CF.

Stool that’s soft and odorless isn’t typical of fat malabsorption; pale or dry stools can point to other issues like reduced bile flow, and hard, clay-colored stools suggest biliary obstruction rather than CF-related fat malabsorption.