system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 2-year-old boy is brought to the physician because of an increasing productive cough with a moderate amount of white phlegm for the past week. He has been treated for pneumonia with antibiotic therapy four times over the past year. A chest x-ray performed 3 months ago showed no anatomical abnormalities. He has had multiple episodes of bulky greasy stools that don't flush easily. He is at 3rd percentile for height and at 5th percentile for weight. His temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is 132/min, and respirations are 44/min. A few inspiratory crackles are heard in the thorax. The abdomen is soft and nontender. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the best initial test to determine the underlying etiology of this patient's illness?
assistant
Sweat chloride test