The nurse is caring for a newborn infant with a cleft lip and palate. Which of the following is the FIRST priority nursing goal when caring for this infant?

The correct answer is D: Establishing adequate feeding and sucking to promote growth and development. This is the first priority nursing goal because proper nutrition is essential for the newborn's growth and development. Infants with cleft lip and palate may have difficulty feeding, so ensuring they receive adequate nutrition is crucial. Positioning to prevent ear infections (A) is important but not the first priority. Immediate repair of cleft palate (B) can be necessary but is not the initial goal. Assisting the mother to bond (C) is important but not as critical as ensuring the infant's nutrition.