A 1-year-old with suspected intussusception presents with HR 178, BP 72/38, RR 44, T 38.5°C.The abdomen is distended, and the child is lethargic. What is the priority action?

A. Apply warm compresses to abdomen to decrease pain: Warm compresses may provide some comfort but do not address the underlying bowel obstruction. This intervention is not appropriate for a critically unstable child with suspected intussusception. B. Prepare for urgent pneumatic (air) enema reduction: The child’s tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal distension, and lethargy indicate possible bowel obstruction with shock. An urgent pneumatic enema is the priority intervention to reduce the intussusception and restore bowel function. C. Administer oral rehydration solution (ORS) to treat dehydration: ORS is unsafe in this setting because the child is lethargic, has bowel obstruction, and may aspirate if given fluids orally. IV resuscitation is required instead of oral fluids. D. Place child in Trendelenburg position to decrease swelling in the gastrointestinal tract: Trendelenburg positioning does not relieve obstruction and can worsen respiratory compromise in a distressed child..