What should a nurse advise regarding the administration of digestive enzymes for a child with celiac disease?

In the context of celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that results in an adverse reaction to gluten, the administration of digestive enzymes is not typically required. The primary treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, which allows the intestinal mucosa to heal and prevents inflammatory responses.

Children with celiac disease do not need digestive enzymes because their digestive system can function properly when gluten is removed from their diet. Since the root of the problem is the inability to properly process gluten, rather than a lack of digestive enzymes, simply removing gluten from their diet generally resolves the symptoms and prevents damage to the intestines.

This means that advising parents or caregivers that digestive enzymes are not normally necessary for managing celiac disease aligns with current medical understanding and practice. Educating them about maintaining a gluten-free diet is the key component of care for a child with this condition.