Study Tips: NCLEX® QOTD: Cleft lip and palate
Study Tips

NCLEX® QOTD: Cleft lip and palate

Osmosis Team
Oct 9, 2024

Ready for your NCLEX-RN® question of the day? Find out which factors increase the risk of cleft lip and palate in infants, and boost your exam prep!

The nurse in the outpatient clinic is caring for several pregnant patients. Which patient(s) is/are at risk for delivering an infant with cleft lip and/or palate? Select all that apply.

A. A client exposed to radiation in the first trimester

B. A client with a history of rubella during pregnancy

C. A client who is 32-years-old at the time of delivery

D. A client taking anticonvulsants during pregnancy

E. A client who smoked cigarettes throughout their pregnancy 


Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answers to today's NCLEX-RN® Question are...

A. A client exposed to radiation in the first trimester

Rationale: Radiation is a known teratogen, or something that can harm an unborn fetus, which can increase the risk of delivering an infant with cleft lip and palate.

B. A client with a history of rubella during pregnancy

Rationale: Infections like rubella can increase the risk of delivering an infant with cleft lip and palate.

D. A client taking anticonvulsants during pregnancy

Rationale: Anticonvulsant medications may increase the risk of delivering an infant with cleft lip and palate.

E. A client who smoked cigarettes throughout their pregnancy

Rationale: Smoking cigarettes or exposure to cigarette smoke can increase the risk of delivering an infant with cleft lip and palate.

Major Takeaway

Cleft lip is an opening or a split in the upper lip, whereas cleft palate describes an opening or a split in the roof of the mouth, called the hard palate. The cause of cleft lip and palate is unknown, with some theories suggesting multifactorial genetic and environmental involvement. However, several risk factors for cleft lip and palate have been identified, including folate deficiency, as well as exposure to teratogens, such as maternal smoking and exposure to radiation, and using certain medications during pregnancy, such as anticonvulsants or steroids. Other risk factors include advanced maternal age, and certain infections during pregnancy, especially the rubella virus.

causes and risk factors of cleft lip

Incorrect answer explanations

C. A client who is 32-years-old at the time of delivery

Rationale: Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for cleft lip and palate, however this client is not of advanced maternal age since they are not over 35-years-old.

                                                         ________________________

Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis by Elsevier today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.

Osmosis ad to create an account