The nurse is caring for an infant whose cleft lip was repaired. What important aspects of this infant’s postoperative care should be included?

The correct answer is a) Androgens.

Choice A reason:

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders affecting the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing vital hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. In CAH, there is a deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase, which is crucial for the synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone. As a result, the adrenal glands overproduce androgens, leading to symptoms such as ambiguous genitalia in newborns, early puberty, and rapid growth. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, which play a significant role in the development of male characteristics.

Choice B reason:

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone health. It is not related to the overproduction of hormones in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding disorders, but it does not cause the symptoms associated with CAH, such as ambiguous genitalia or early puberty. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason:

Gonadotropins are hormones produced by the pituitary gland that stimulate the gonads (ovaries and testes) to produce sex hormones and gametes (eggs and sperm). While gonadotropins play a role in sexual development and reproduction, they are not overproduced in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The primary issue in CAH is the overproduction of androgens due to enzyme deficiencies in the adrenal glands. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health. It is not related to the overproduction of hormones in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone disorders such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, but it does not cause the symptoms associated with CAH. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason:

Cleansing the suture line, maintaining an upright position, and using arm restraints are crucial aspects of postoperative care for an infant after cleft lip repair. Cleansing the suture line helps prevent infection and promotes healing. Keeping the infant in an upright position reduces the risk of aspiration and helps with breathing. Arm restraints prevent the infant from touching or rubbing the surgical site, which could disrupt the healing process.

Choice B Reason:

Mouth irrigations and a prone position are not recommended for postoperative care after cleft lip repair. Mouth irrigations can be too harsh for the delicate surgical site, and a prone position (lying face down) can increase the risk of aspiration and breathing difficulties. Cleansing the suture line is important, but the other aspects of this choice are not suitable.

Choice C Reason:

Frequent oral suction and spoon feeding are not appropriate for an infant after cleft lip repair. Oral suction can be too aggressive and may damage the surgical site. Spoon feeding is not recommended as it can put pressure on the healing lip. Giving a teething toy is also not advisable as it can cause the infant to put objects in their mouth, potentially harming the surgical site.

Choice D Reason:

Arm restraints are indeed necessary to prevent the infant from touching the surgical site. However, postural drainage and mouth irrigations are not suitable for postoperative care after cleft lip repair. Postural drainage is not relevant to this condition, and mouth irrigations can be too harsh for the healing tissue.