Choice C is correct. A cheiloplasty is a procedure to repair a cleft lip (CL). This procedure is typically done by age three to six months. A concern after this procedure is that the child may have excessive secretions that may trigger aspiration. The nurse should have a bulb syringe or some other suction equipment available if the infant begins to choke.

• While routine suctioning is not done to minimize pain or trauma, it is necessary to have it available to treat any potential aspiration.

Choice A is incorrect. An NGT is not necessary following this procedure. Following a CL repair, some infants can return to breastfeeding or bottle feeding, where some may have to be fed via a syringe.

Choice B is incorrect. A bottle of sterile water is necessary if a client has a chest tube and it becomes disconnected from the drainage system. A chest tube is not used in this surgery.

Choice D is incorrect. A tracheostomy is necessary at the bedside for a client immediately after a thyroidectomy, which may be used if the client gets airway edema.

✓ Following a cleft lip repair, some surgeons allow the infant to return to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, whereas others require syringe-feeding once the child is awake and alert.

✓ The nurse should provide pain management which may include acetaminophen.

✓ The nurse should ensure that no rigid objects are inserted into the mouth that may disrupt the suture line.

✓ After the infant is fed, the suture line may be cleaned with water, and a thin layer of antibiotic ointment may be applied.

✓ Finally, the infant should not be positioned prone and positioned to prevent airway obstruction.

✓ The ideal position is the infant positioned on their back, slightly upright.