An infant will be discharged home following a cleft lip/palate repair. What teaching points should the nurse include for the parents to maintain skin integrity during the healing process? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Massaging around the incision site is not recommended post-cleft lip/palate repair, as it can disrupt sutures, impair healing, and increase infection risk. Gentle care and protection of the surgical site are prioritized to maintain skin integrity, making this an incorrect teaching point for parents. Choice B reason: Hourly bulb syringe suctioning is excessive and not standard for cleft lip/palate repair recovery. Suctioning is used sparingly to clear secretions, as frequent use can irritate the surgical site, risking trauma and infection, making this an incorrect teaching point for maintaining skin integrity. Choice C reason: Soft elbow restraints prevent the infant from touching or scratching the surgical site when unsupervised, protecting sutures and promoting healing. This reduces the risk of infection and trauma, maintaining skin integrity, making it a correct and essential teaching point for post-repair care. Choice D reason: Prone positioning while awake increases pressure on the repaired cleft lip/palate, risking suture disruption and impaired healing. Supine or side-lying positions are preferred to protect the surgical site, making this an incorrect and potentially harmful teaching point for maintaining skin integrity. Choice E reason: Cleansing the suture site and applying antibiotic ointment as needed prevents infection and promotes healing by keeping the area clean and moist. This standard post-surgical care maintains skin integrity and supports recovery, making it a correct and essential teaching point for parents.