A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a 1-year-old following cleft lip and cleft palate repair. Which of the following are developmental concerns for the infant? Potential delays in

A. olfactory motor skills. Olfactory function refers to the sense of smell and is not a motor skill impacted by midface structural defects. The surgical repair of the lip and palate focuses on oral cavity integrity rather than the olfactory bulb. There is no clinical evidence linking cleft repairs to developmental delays in smelling. B. fine motor skills. Fine motor development involves the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. While 1-year-olds are developing these skills, a cleft repair does not physiologically interfere with manual dexterity. Potential delays in these patients are more specifically related to the anatomical site of the surgical intervention. C. proprioceptive skills. Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its position in space through sensory receptors in the muscles and joints. Cleft lip and palate repairs do not affect the general musculoskeletal or neurological systems responsible for spatial awareness. This domain of development is typically unaffected by localized orofacial reconstructive surgery. D. oral motor skills. Anatomical changes and scarring from the repair can affect the strength and coordination of the lips, tongue, and soft palate. These delays impact the child's ability to suck, swallow, and eventually articulate speech sounds correctly. Speech and language pathology are essential to manage these significant developmental risks in post-operative patients.