The mother of a 5-year-old female states that her daughter has been "sick" with a sore throat and fever for several days. The mother became concerned tonight and called 911 because the child was "making funny noises" and could not breathe. Your assessment reveals a lethargic, well-developed child sitting upright and with high-pitched tracheal noises when she breathes. Of the following, what is the priority action?

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Administering supplemental oxygen is the priority action in this case as the child is presenting with high-pitched tracheal noises when breathing, which is indicative of an airway obstruction. The child could be experiencing respiratory distress or failure, and providing supplemental oxygen will help alleviate the hypoxemia, prevent further deterioration, and buy time until EMS arrives to provide further advanced airway management. Placing an oropharyngeal airway or performing abdominal thrusts can worsen the condition if there is an obstructive process in the trachea. Inspecting the airway with a tongue depressor is also not recommended in a child with signs of severe airway compromise.

The Mother of a 5-Year-Old Female States That Her Daughter