Which incision care instruction should the nurse discuss with the parents after discharge?

• A. Keep the incision clean and dry; monitor for redness or drainage.
• B. Soak the incision in bath water daily.
• C. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the incision daily.
• D. Remove sutures at home.

Answer: (A)

Keeping the incision clean and dry and watching for signs of infection is essential after cleft lip repair. Cleanliness reduces the chance of bacteria reaching the wound, and a dry site helps the skin edges stay intact and heal without maceration. If redness, drainage, warmth, swelling, or foul odor appears, or if the child develops fever, these can signal an infection and should be reported promptly so the surgeon can assess.

Soaking the incision in bath water daily isn’t advised because wetting the area can soften the wound margins, loosen any protective crusts, and introduce bacteria, all of which can delay healing. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for routine wound care, as it can irritate or damage healthy tissue and slow recovery. Removing sutures at home is unsafe because proper assessment and handling are needed; sutures are typically removed by a clinician at a follow-up appointment or are absorbable, and attempting removal yourself can reopen the wound or cause bleeding.

Follow the surgeon’s instructions and contact the clinic if there are any concerns or signs of infection.