Which statement best describes the nurse's approach to educating families about incision care after discharge?

• A. Provide clear written instructions and reinforce them with follow-up.
• B. Limit education to a single spoken session.
• C. Assume parents understand without demonstration.
• D. Delay any education until complications arise.

Answer: (A)

Clear, ongoing discharge education about incision care is essential after cleft lip/palate repair. Providing clear written instructions gives families a reliable reference they can consult at home, and reinforcing those instructions with follow-up conversations lets the nurse check understanding, answer questions, and adjust guidance as needed. This approach supports correct wound care, helps families recognize warning signs early, and reduces the risk of infection or wound issues by ensuring steps are followed consistently after leaving the hospital. It also accommodates different literacy levels and languages when materials are plain-spoken and may include visuals.

Relying on a single spoken session can leave important details forgotten, and assuming parents understand without demonstration can lead to misinterpretation. Delaying education until complications arise is reactive and can allow problems to develop that could have been prevented with proactive guidance.