Multidimensional Care Strategies

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetically inherited respiratory condition that accumulates
sticky mucus in the digestive system and lungs. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disorder that
significantly damages the lungs and results in respiratory failure (Arden et al., 2021). In treating
or caring for patients with cystic fibrosis, a multidimensional approach is preferred because the
disease has no specific cure. Therefore, the multidimensional care approach provides a series of
interventions meant only to ease the symptoms and reduce further complications. This approach
often incorporates chemotherapy to kill bacteria along the airways, airway clearance techniques
to remove any mucus that might harbor infectious microbes in the airways and promote
oxygenation, surgery to remove and correct part(s) of the damaged airways and prevent further
complications, and adequate dietary and fluid intake. The following is a ranked list of these
potential treatment/care interventions for cystic fibrosis and why they are preferred.

1. Chemotherapy
   The first intervention for cystic fibrosis is medications that target genes. Physicians may
   endorse cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators for individuals
   with particular gene mutations. Medications boost the functioning of the defective CFTR protein,
   which is essential in increasing lung function. The rationale for considering this intervention as
   the first among other cystic fibrosis interventions is that it deals with the root cause of the
   disorder. Remarkably, the gene mutation is why the disorder develops in the first place.
2. Airway Clearance Techniques
   The second intervention in terms of priority is airway clearance techniques, which
   significantly help discharge mucus blockade and lessen infection and inflammation in the
   airways (Wilson et al., 2019). The rationale for choosing airway clearance techniques as the

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second choice is that they help ensure that mucus that causes blockage is removed frequently to
improve airflow in and out of the lungs.

3. Surgery
   The last option to consider as an intervention is a surgery, which entails the removal of
   certain parts of the respiratory system. The best type of surgery for cystic fibrosis is nasal and
   sinus surgery, which removes nasal polyps that obstruct breathing (Khalfoun et al., 2018). This is
   the last intervention to consider because surgery is often unpredictable, and it can worsen the
   condition further if it is not done correctly.

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References

Arden, M. A., Hutchings, M., Whelan, P., Drabble, S. J., Beever, D., Bradley, J. M., Hind, D.,
Ainsworth, J., Maguire, C., Cantrill, H., O’Cathain, A., & Wildman, M. (2021).
Development of an intervention to increase adherence to nebulizer treatment in adults
with cystic fibrosis: CFHealthHub. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 7(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-020-00739-2
Khalfoun, S., Tumin, D., Ghossein, M., Lind, M., Hayes Jr, D., & Kirkby, S. (2018). Improved
lung function after sinus surgery in cystic fibrosis patients with moderate obstruction.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 158(2), 381-385.
Wilson, L. M., Morrison, L., & Robinson, K. A. (2019). Airway clearance techniques for cystic
fibrosis: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews, (1).