A 13 year old adolescent is brought to the Emergency Department after a near-drowning/submersion event. The child is coughing and having difficulty breathing. 02 saturation is 90% in room air, RR=26/min, HR=102/min. What is the priority intervention for the nurse to take?

A. Sedation is not a priority; maintaining adequate oxygenation is critical first. B. Capillary refill can be assessed but is not an immediate intervention. C. Sitting upright can aid breathing but does not directly address hypoxia. D. Administering oxygen helps correct hypoxemia, which is the immediate priority in respiratory distress.