Which activity is appropriate for a school-age child hospitalized with acute febrile rheumatic fever?

When considering activities appropriate for a school-age child hospitalized with acute febrile rheumatic fever, engaging in board games is particularly suitable. This condition often requires the child to have limited physical activity to avoid exacerbating their symptoms and potential complications. Board games provide a safe and stimulating way for the child to pass the time, encourage cognitive engagement, and allow interaction with others without physical strain.

Playing board games can help maintain social connections with peers or siblings who may visit, fostering emotional support while the child is in an unfamiliar and possibly stressful hospital environment. Additionally, this type of activity does not require the physical exertion associated with outdoor sports or group play, both of which could potentially increase the child's heart workload—an important consideration with rheumatic fever, which can affect heart function.

While watching action movies might seem entertaining, it lacks the interactive quality that board games offer. Movies could also lead to passive engagement, which might not provide the same emotional and cognitive benefits as more interactive activities. Thus, board games strike a balance between entertainment and cognitive stimulation while remaining physically safe for the child’s health condition.