Final answer:
The best intervention for a child's postoperative care would be to D) administer IV analgesics on a schedule, taking into account the possible severity of pain and the need for careful management of pain relievers under medical supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse planning care for a child after a surgical procedure should consider the intensity and type of pain when choosing an analgesic intervention. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be appropriate for pain with an inflammatory origin and of low-to-moderate intensity. However, for postoperative pain, which could be severe, stronger analgesics like opioids may be necessary, but due to risks such as addiction and serious side effects, they should only be used under a doctor's supervision and typically on a scheduled basis to manage pain effectively. IV analgesics on a schedule may be preferred to provide consistent pain management and monitoring. Option D, Administer IV analgesics on a schedule, should be included in the plan of care. This approach allows for the rapid and effective control of pain, with adjustments made as needed based on the child's response. Because NSAIDs are usually only effective against pain of low-to-moderate intensity and due to their side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, they might not be the best choice for postoperative care, especially if the pain is greater than 7 on the pain scale.