Question

What could you use to clean cheiloplasty sutures and when_________ What should you educate the parent to report after a procedure like this? What should you avoid? Should you apply anything and if so, for how long?

Answer 1

To clean cheiloplasty sutures, use saline solution or antiseptic solution. Educate the parent to report signs of infection and avoid applying anything to the sutures.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a cheiloplasty procedure (surgery to repair a cleft lip), the sutures should be cleaned using saline solution or a prescribed antiseptic solution. This should be done gently, using a clean cotton swab or gauze. The sutures should be cleaned at least twice a day until they are removed, which is typically after 5-7 days.

When educating the parent, you should inform them to report any signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge. If the parent notices these signs, they should contact the healthcare provider immediately. It is also important to advise the parent to avoid applying any creams, ointments, or other substances to the sutures, as this may interfere with the healing process.