Nursing Care and Treatment
The only treatment is surgical repair and child may be operated before 18 months as per the choice of surgeon so that speech pattern of child may not be affected. In certain cases dental appliances are applied to facilitate communication if the surgery has been delayed or deferred. These appliances have to be changed periodically as the child grows. Your role as a nurse is immense to give attention to the emotional problems of child and parents. Parents feel guilty and inadequate of this defect. The child may have irregular tooth eruptions, drooling, delayed speech which will lead to frustration. In such situations you need to guide the parents for appropriate treatment and resources available which will relieve the anxiety.