Final answer:
The best intervention for a school-age child with heart disease and heart failure given the options is to provide small, frequent meals. This method is energy-efficient for the child and aids in meeting nutritional needs without overburdening the heart. Regular, supervised physical activity should also be included for overall health benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
When creating a plan of care for a school-age child with heart disease and heart failure, a nurse should consider several key interventions that cater to the child's special needs. Among the given options:
- Provide small, frequent meals for the child.
- Schedule time in the playroom for the child.
- Weigh the child weekly.
- Maintain the child in a supine position.
The most appropriate intervention to include in a care plan is to provide small, frequent meals for the child. This approach ensures the child does not expend too much energy on digestion and helps maintain balanced energy levels, considering their reduced cardiac output. Nutritional requirements should focus on being high in calories and nutrients to support growth and health while being mindful of fluid retention, common in heart failure patients. Regular weighing of the child is also essential to monitor for fluid retention and ensure proper dosing of medications, but it should occur more frequently than weekly. Additionally, regular physical activity under careful supervision and a tailored exercise program can be beneficial in improving overall cardiovascular health, aiding symptom management, and enhancing the child's quality of life.