During an assessment, a mother reports that her 6-month-old has greasy stools. Which condition should be the primary concern?

The observation of greasy stools in a 6-month-old infant can indicate malabsorption issues typically associated with cystic fibrosis. In this condition, the body is unable to properly digest and absorb fats due to thick, sticky mucus that blocks the pancreatic ducts. This leads to the characteristic symptoms of steatorrhea, or fat in the stools, which presents as greasy, foul-smelling bowel movements.

Cystic fibrosis can also lead to respiratory complications, but the primary concern when presented with the symptom of greasy stools is the potential for pancreatic insufficiency and malabsorption of nutrients. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for managing cystic fibrosis, as it allows for prompt interventions that can significantly improve the child's overall health and growth.

Other conditions listed do not primarily present with greasy stools. For instance, bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves lung issues often associated with premature infants and doesn't cause changes in stool characteristics. Pneumonitis pertains to lung inflammation and would typically present with respiratory symptoms rather than gastrointestinal ones. Down syndrome can have gastrointestinal issues, but greasy stools are more specifically associated with cystic fibrosis.