Final answer:
A nurse should refer to the hospital's visiting policy considering postoperative care and infection risks when addressing the parents' inquiry about family visits for a child post atrial septal repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate response by the nurse to the parents of a 14-year-old child who underwent an atrial septal repair 5 days ago and is asking if family members can visit would be to refer to the hospital's visiting policy, which often takes into consideration the patient's recovery phase and the risk of infection. It is important to strike a balance between the benefits of family support for the patient's mental and emotional wellbeing, and the need to minimize potential health risks associated with postoperative care. The nurse might mention the importance of maintaining a calm and restful environment for the patient to ensure optimal recovery, while possibly allowing a limited number of visitors as deemed safe by guidelines.