Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Post-surgery, how should a nurse instruct parents to feed a 3 month old infant who just had a cleft lip repair?

1. A. Breast feed or bottle feed

2. B. Use a cup to feed

3. C. Use a paper straw

4. D. Use a medicine dropper

The correct answer is: A. Breast feed or bottle feed

For an infant who has just undergone cleft lip repair, the recommended approach to feeding involves ensuring that the child can comfortably obtain nutrition while minimizing any potential trauma to the surgical site. Feeding methods such as breastfeeding or bottle feeding are typically appropriate, as they provide a familiar and effective way to deliver nutrition, allowing the infant to suck and swallow normally. Breastfeeding can be particularly beneficial because it promotes bonding and offers the added advantage of easily adjusted flow rates, which may be less likely to disrupt the healing areas compared to other feeding methods. Bottle feeding with a special nipple designed for infants with cleft lip can also provide a suitable alternative, helping to control the flow of milk and ensuring the infant receives adequate nutrition without creating undue stress on the surgical site. Options that involve using a cup, paper straw, or medicine dropper would not be optimal following a cleft lip repair because they do not fulfill the infant's need for sucking, which is important for both nourishment and comfort. Using these methods can also make feeding more challenging for both the infant and the parents, potentially leading to frustration and inadequate nutrition during a critical healing period.