Following surgical repair of a cleft lip, how should a nurse position the infant?

After surgical repair of a cleft lip, positioning the infant is crucial to promote healing and comfort while preventing any pressure on the surgical site. The ideal position for the infant is on their back. This position helps to minimize the risk of injury to the sutured area and prevents the infant from rolling onto their side, which could place unnecessary pressure on the repaired lip.

Placing the infant in a seated position or on either side could increase the risk of complications, including trauma to the surgical site or issues with airway management, as infants may be more inclined to turn or move in these positions. Therefore, keeping the infant on their back allows for an optimal healing environment post-surgery, while also supporting the airway.