The nurse is planning care for a newborn with a cleft lip and palate scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. For which health need will the nurse focus when planning this patient's care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before a cleft lip or palate is repaired, feeding the infant becomes a concern because the infant has difficulty maintaining suction with a bottle or breast. Nutritional support is of the highest priority at this time. Visual stimulation is not a concern for the infant with a cleft lip and palate. Prevention of pneumonia and an oral infection are more appropriate concerns after surgery has occurred.

The Nurse Is Planning Care for a Newborn with a Cleft