The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Evaluates a Child Who

The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner evaluates a child who awoke with a sore throat and high fever after a nap. The child appears anxious and is sitting on the parent's lap with the neck hyperextended. The physical exam reveals stridor, drooling, nasal flaring, and retractions. What will the nurse practitioner do next?

A) Administer a broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic.
B) Obtain blood and throat cultures and start antibiotic therapy.
C) Send the child to radiology for a lateral neck radiograph.
D) Transport the child to the hospital via emergency medical services.