The nurse cares for an infant whose cleft lip was recently repaired. What are important aspects of this infant's postoperative care?

• A. All of the above
• B. Cleansing the suture line
• C. Supine and side-lying positions
• D. Arm restraints

Answer: (A)

Postoperative care after cleft lip repair centers on protecting the repair so healing proceeds without disturbance. Keeping the suture line clean is essential, so cleansing the area with sterile technique helps prevent infection and crusting that could irritate the incision. How the infant is positioned matters too: placing the infant on the back with the head slightly elevated and turned to the side helps protect the lip from pressure, supports the airway, and reduces edema; side-lying on the nonoperative side can aid drainage and comfort. Arm restraints are used to prevent the infant from reaching up to touch or rub the incision, which could disrupt sutures. Because each of these actions supports proper healing and lowers complication risk, all of these care aspects are important.