Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam

The 72-hour fecal fat test is the specific diagnostic measure used to assess fat malabsorption, particularly in individuals suspected of having Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome. This syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by pancreatic insufficiency, which means the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. As a result, individuals with this condition often experience malabsorption of nutrients, specifically fats.

During the 72-hour fecal fat test, a patient consumes a diet high in fat and collects all stools produced over a three-day period. The collected stool samples are then analyzed for fat content. An elevated level of fat in the stool indicates malabsorption, confirming the suspicion of pancreatic insufficiency which is associated with Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome.

Other diagnostic tests mentioned, such as a complete blood count, serum electrocytes testing, and blood glucose testing, do not specifically evaluate fat absorption. While these tests can provide useful information about a patient's overall health or specific aspects of their metabolic function, they do not offer the targeted assessment necessary to diagnose fat malabsorption linked to pancreatic insufficiency in this context.