Anatomy & Pathophysiology
This condition results from failure of the lip or palate to fuse during embryonic development.
What is cleft lip or palate
Cleft lip is typically diagnosed at this time.
What is at birth (visually)
At what age is cleft lip typically repaired?
What is 2 to 3 months of age
Device applied to arms after surgery to prevent injury to surgical site
Elbow restraints
Area that must be cleaned after each feeding post-surgery
Surgical site or oral cavity
The lip and palate fuse by these gestational weeks.
What are 5–6 weeks for the lip and 7–9 weeks for the palate
Best way to detect cleft palate in a newborn
Palpate the palate with a gloved finger
Recommended position to feed infants with cleft lip/palate
Upright or semi-upright
Type of item not allowed post-op due to suction risk
Pacifier or standard bottle nipple
Stage when speech therapy typically begins for cleft palate
Early childhood or when delays are observed
Children with cleft palate are more prone to this type of infection.
What are ear infections (otitis media)
Common feeding issue in infants with cleft palate
Nasal regurgitation or poor suction
What is used to help infants feed preoperatively?
What is a special cleft bottles and nipples.
Correct position after cleft lip surgery to protect the incision
Back or non-operative side
Common emotional responses parents may have after diagnosis
Guilt, sadness, anxiety
This soft structure is underdeveloped in cleft palate, affecting feeding.
What is the soft palate
Type of speech that may result from untreated cleft palate
Hypernasal speech
Why is frequent burping important for these infants?
Reduces aspiration risk and air swallowing.
Two signs that may indicate bleeding after cleft palate repair
Frequent swallowing and restlessness
Long-term follow-up care often required for cleft palate
Multiple surgeries and specialty care
Cleft conditions are often linked to this type of broader disorder.
What are congenital syndromes or genetic disorders
Complication to monitor for during feedings in infants with cleft palate
Aspiration
Preoperative precaution to prevent aspiration before surgery
NPO
Uncontrolled behavior that can compromise the surgical site
Excessive crying
Three professionals commonly included in the cleft care team
Surgeon, speech therapist, audiologist