A nurse is planning care for a 10-month-old infant who is 8 hr postoperative following cleft palate repair. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the infant's plan of care?

A. Feed the infant with a spoon for 48 hr.

Following cleft palate repair, infants may need special feeding techniques to minimize the risk of injury to the surgical site. Feeding with a spoon is a gentle method that reduces the risk of trauma to the repaired palate. However, it is typically recommended for a longer duration than 48 hours, often until the surgical site is fully healed and the healthcare provider provides further instructions. Therefore, this option is not entirely accurate.

B. Apply and release elbow restraints every hour.

Elbow restraints are commonly used postoperatively in infants to prevent them from inadvertently touching or scratching the surgical site. Releasing and reapplying the restraints every hour helps prevent skin breakdown and ensures adequate circulation to the extremities. This intervention helps maintain the integrity of the surgical repair and reduces the risk of complications. Therefore, this is an appropriate intervention for an infant post cleft palate repair.

C. Keep the infant supine

While keeping the infant supine may be necessary to prevent aspiration and promote comfort, it is not the primary intervention to address the surgical repair of the cleft palate. Positioning recommendations may vary based on the surgeon's preferences and the infant's specific needs, but supine positioning alone does not address the prevention of trauma to the surgical site.

D. Suction the mouth with an oral suction tube.

Suctioning the mouth with an oral suction tube may be indicated to maintain airway patency and remove secretions, especially if the infant has difficulty swallowing or clearing oral secretions effectively. However, it is not typically specified as a routine intervention following cleft palate repair unless there are specific concerns about airway compromise or excessive secretions. Therefore, while it may be necessary in some cases, it is not a standard intervention for all infants post cleft palate repair.

A. Crayons and a coloring book: While crayons and coloring books can be entertaining, they may not be suitable for a 12-month-old toddler who is hospitalized and confined to a room with contact precautions. Toddlers at this age are typically more interested in exploring objects and engaging in physical activities.

B. Large building blocks: Large building blocks are suitable for a 12-month-old toddler as they promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. They also encourage imaginative play and problem-solving, which are important aspects of cognitive development at this age. Additionally, large blocks are easy to clean and sanitize, making them suitable for use in a hospital setting with contact precautions in place.

C. Hanging crib toys: Hanging crib toys are more appropriate for infants, particularly those who are younger than 12 months old. At 12 months of age, toddlers are usually more mobile and may not be as interested in stationary crib toys.

D. Modeling clay: Modeling clay is not recommended for a 12-month-old toddler, especially in a hospital setting with contact precautions. Modeling clay poses a choking hazard, and toddlers at this age may not have the dexterity or understanding to use it safely. Additionally, modeling clay can be difficult to clean and sanitize between uses, making it unsuitable for use in a hospital environment.