Which of the following indicates a mother understands post-operative care instructions for her child who underwent cleft lip repair?

The selection of the statement regarding rinsing the child's mouth with water after feeding demonstrates an understanding of post-operative care following cleft lip repair. After the surgery, maintaining oral hygiene is important to prevent infection and promote healing. Rinsing the mouth helps to clear any residual food particles that may irritate the surgical site, which is critical in the first few weeks post-surgery when the area is healing.

In contrast, it is generally advised not to brush the teeth immediately after the surgery because the mechanical action can disturb the surgical site. Feeding solid foods right away is also discouraged; soft or liquid diets are preferred to minimize stress on the surgical area during recovery. Additionally, keeping the child in an elevated position, rather than laying flat after feeding, helps reduce the risk of aspiration and supports proper healing by minimizing pressure on the surgical site. Thus, the importance of rinsing the mouth aligns with best practices for hygiene and healing in a postoperative setting.