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.