A nurse is providing education to the family of a school aged child who has a history of atrial septal defect (ASD) with surgical repair. The child's caregivers ask the nurse if their child can play sports. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is most appropriate?

The nurse must apply knowledge of pediatric cardiac rehabilitation post-surgical repair of an atrial septal defect. Effective repair restores normal hemodynamics, allowing children to engage in physical activities. Assessment of the child's tolerance is essential to ensure safety during aerobic team sports. Choice A rationale Successful surgical closure of an atrial septal defect typically restores normal cardiac function and pulmonary pressures. Once fully recovered, children are encouraged to lead active lives and participate in team sports according to their individual physical stamina and tolerance. Choice B rationale Restricting a child to individual sports is medically unnecessary following a successful surgical repair. Unless specific complications like residual pulmonary hypertension exist, there is no physiological reason to forbid team sports, which promote essential social and physical development. Choice C rationale Limiting the child to basic activities like bike riding is overly restrictive post-repair. While low-impact activities are safe, most children can resume full athletic participation. Avoiding sports altogether can lead to physical deconditioning and unnecessary psychosocial isolation. Choice D rationale Prohibiting all sports participation is incorrect because surgical repair aims to permit a normal lifestyle. Complete restriction is only indicated in rare cases of severe heart failure or significant arrhythmias, which are not standard outcomes for ASD repair.