Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

Question 1

Means split into two

Answer 1

Cleft

Question 2

It is a congenital anomaly which is cahracterized by the incomplete fusion of the oral cavity that results in an opening through the upper lip that extends towards the nose.

Answer 2

Cleft Lip

Question 3

Two deviations or cleft

Answer 3

1. Unilateral
2. Bilateral

Question 4

A surgery that repairs cleft lip and is typically done at 2-3 months of age

Answer 4

Cheiloplasty

Question 5

Why is early repair of a cleft lip help infants?

Answer 5

Experience the pleasure of sucking as soon as possible

Question 6

How are babies with cleft lip fed before surgery?

Answer 6

• Using a wide base nipple and squeez the baby’s cheeks during feeding
• Holding the baby’s cheeks** forward** to help create a smaller space in the mouth & increase the oral contact with the nipple

Question 7

Why should babies not suck on a pacifier or nipple after the surgery of a cleft lip?

Answer 7

Creates tension on the suture line which can disrupt the operative site.

Question 8

How are babies with cleft lip fed after the surgery?

Answer 8

Using a special feeder such as Haberman feeder

Question 9

Incision care for after surgery for cleft lip?

Answer 9

Clean swab the incision area with normal saline and apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed to prevent infection

Question 10

Complications of cleft lip

Answer 10

• Ear infections
• Possible hearing losss
• Dental issues

Question 11

A congenital opening of the palate due to incomplete fusion of the palatine plates

Answer 11

Cleft palate

Question 12

Severity of cleft palate ranges from?

Answer 12

• Soft/posterior palate
• Hard/anterior palate
• Both

Question 13

When is surgical repair done for a infant with cleft palate?

Answer 13

around 6-12 or 18 months of age

Question 14

Nursing Care for an infant with cleft palate

Answer 14

• Feeding the baby in an upright position
• Burped often or after every feeding
• Baby should be fed using a bottle with a one-way valve to ensure there is always millk in the nipple during feeding.

Question 15

Cleft Palate

Position of the infant in the immediate post-op period and why?

Answer 15

Place the baby laterally or on their stomach to prevent aspiration & facilitate drainage

Question 16

Used to stabilize the cheeks and reduce suture stress on a surgically repaired cleft lip or palate?

Answer 16

The Logan Bow

Question 17

Complications of Cleft Palate

Answer 17

• Ear infections
• Possible hearing loss
• Dental issues
• Speech / Language Problems

Question 18

Other Nursing Managements

Answer 18

1. Assess for problems with feeding & breathing
2. Ensure adequate nutrition & prevent aspiration. Direct the formular away from the cleft & toward the side to prevent aspiration
3. Stimulate sucking by gentling rubbing the nipple against the baby’s lower lip
4. Support the infant’s parents emotional and social adjustment
5. Provide postoperative care