A nurse is planning care for a 10-month-old infant who is 8 hours postoperative following cleft palate repair. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the infantÔÇÖs plan of care?

The correct answer is C: Apply and release elbow restraints every hour. After cleft palate repair, it is crucial to prevent the infant from touching or putting pressure on the surgical site to promote healing. Elbow restraints ensure the infant's hands are kept away from the mouth area. Releasing the restraints every hour allows for movement and circulation. Choice A is incorrect as suctioning the mouth can disrupt the surgical site and increase the risk of infection. Choice B is incorrect as feeding with a spoon can also pose a risk of injury to the surgical site. Choice D is incorrect as keeping the infant supine does not directly address the need to prevent the infant from touching the surgical site.