Palatoplasty – Post-operative management

palatoplasty surgery Nursing Responsibility:

• Check vital signs after palatoplasty surgery
• Administer oxygen
• Observe for bleeding
• Start feeding after 4-6 hours
• Apply elbow/ arm restraint to avoid putting/sucking fingers or objects in mouth
• Give psychological support to mother and family members to reduced fear and anxiety
• Administer iv fluids, analgesic, and IV antibiotics as per order
• Maintain intake and output chart to observe feeding intolerance

Advice  or education:

Oral hygiene

• Advice mother to give water after every feeds to remove food particles, prevent infection and maintain oral hygiene

Feedings

• Educate mother to give feeds by syringe, cup or dropper for 1 week
• Spoon feed can be given but not introduce deeper or not touch the roof of mouth to avoid injury to palate.
• Avoid using bottles, pacifiers/normal teats till 2-3 weeks
• Avoid sucking and chewing, if the baby is taking solid diet only soft diet is allowed after 7th day of surgery

Discharge / bleeding:

• Educate the mother to observe for any fever, any color changes, discharge or bleeding in suture area, immediately consult the doctor.

palatoplasty surgery Follow up:

• Continue discharge medicines
• Consult doctor after 1 week