Postoperatively, which feeding management is appropriate for a child after a cleft palate repair?

• A. Sit the child in an upright position when feeding.
• B. Lay the child flat to prevent aspiration.
• C. Feed only solid foods for the first week.
• D. Feed rapidly to reduce the feeding time.

Answer: (A)

Positioning during feeding after cleft palate repair centers on protecting the airway and the surgical site. Feeding the child in an upright position uses gravity to keep liquids and food away from the palate repair area and toward the esophagus, which reduces the risk of aspiration and helps stabilize the sutures as the child swallows. An upright posture also makes airway protection easier for the child who is recovering from anesthesia.

Lying flat increases the chance that fluids or saliva can move toward the airway and complicate breathing, which is why that option isn’t appropriate. Feeding solids too soon can irritate or stress the healing palate, and feeding rapidly doesn’t give the child time to swallow safely, potentially causing choking or aspiration.