Cleft Lip and Palate: Embryology and Clinical Aspects Quiz

At what stage does the face begin forming during embryonic development?

• Around 4 weeks gestation.

• Around 8 weeks gestation.

• Around 12 weeks gestation.

• At birth.

Which of the following best describes a unilateral cleft lip?

• A cleft occurring on one side of the lip.

• A cleft occurring on both sides of the lip.

• A mild form of cleft lip—appears as a small notch.

• The cleft extends through the entire lip and into the nose.

Explain why feeding is difficult in infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), and suggest a strategy to help with feeding.

• They cannot create proper suction due to the opening between oral and nasal cavities; using special bottles and upright positioning helps.

• They have trouble swallowing; using a feeding tube helps.

• They have a small mouth; using a spoon helps.

• They are allergic to milk; using soy formula helps.

Which of the following is an example of an environmental teratogen linked to clefting?

• Alcohol

• Vitamin C

• Calcium

• Iron

A child with cleft palate is experiencing hypernasality during speech. What is the most likely cause?

• Inadequate velopharyngeal closure

• Blocked Eustachian tube

• Missing teeth

• Excessive saliva production

What is hypernasality?

• Excessive nasal resonance during speech due to VPI.

• Too little nasal resonance during speech.

• Difficulty in producing oral sounds.

• Complete blockage of nasal airflow.

Which types of consonants are most affected by clefting?

• Stop consonants and fricatives

• Vowels and nasals

• Liquids and glides

• Affricates and diphthongs

Why do children with clefts often show language delay?

• Hearing loss and poor speech intelligibility may limit early language input and output.

• They have higher intelligence.

• They receive more therapy.

• They have stronger vocal cords.

How can speech-language pathologists (SLPs) support culturally sensitive care for children with cleft palate?

• Respect beliefs, provide translated materials, and involve families in treatment decisions.

• Ignore cultural differences and use standard procedures.

• Only treat children from their own culture.

• Focus solely on speech therapy without family involvement.

A child has nasal air escape on /p/ and /t/ after cleft repair. What does this suggest?

• Velopharyngeal inadequacy causing hypernasal speech.

• Normal speech development.

• Improved oral pressure.

• Complete closure of the velopharyngeal port.