CLEFT LIP/PALATE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

COMPLICATIONS

DESCRIPTION
FOR INFANT Clefts of the lip (CL) and palate (CP) are facial
malformations that occur during embryonic development.
Difficulty Feeding - reduces the
They may appear separately or more often together. CL
infant's ability to suck.
results from failure of the maxillary and median nasal
process to fuse; CP is a midline fissure of the palate that
Speech Impairment
results from failure of the two palatal processes to fuse. 
Dental Problems - improper teeth
alignment

Hearing loss

Social adjustments and behavior

while growing up if not
surgically treated
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Deformities of the upper jaw (maxilla), Crooked
Poorly shaped, Split in lip or palate and hard & soft palate
facial deficit

RISK FACTORS
NURSING DIAGNOSIS