A health care provider is preparing to examine the throat of a child diagnosed with acute epiglottitis. A priority nursing responsibility would be to:

A. have a tracheotomy set at the bedside. Acute epiglottitis is a medical emergency due to the risk of sudden airway obstruction. Manipulating the throat may trigger complete airway blockage. Emergency airway equipment must be available. B. restrain the child's arms. Restraint can worsen anxiety and possibly exacerbate airway obstruction. C. immobilize the child's head. This is not a priority and may interfere with breathing efforts. D. have oxygen available. While oxygen is important, having emergency airway support (e.g., tracheotomy) is the priority in case of airway collapse.