A 3-month-old infant has had a unilateral cleft lip repair. He has resumed feedings of oral formula.
The nurse should feed the infant with:
A . Gavage tube
B . Nipple and bottle
C . A straw and cup
D . Syringe
Answer: D
Explanation:
(A) A gavage tube may damage suture line. It is the most invasive and should be the last measure.
(B) A nipple and bottle require sucking, which may damage sutures.
(C) A 3-month-old infant is not able to drink from a straw.
(D) A syringe allows for the formula to be placed to the side and back of the mouth. This minimizes the amount of sucking needed.