A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who has epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Monitor urine for protein: Proteinuria is unrelated to epiglottitis and does not provide useful information for assessing airway compromise. This intervention is not indicated for this condition. B. Obtain a nasopharyngeal swab: Swabbing the throat can trigger gagging or laryngospasm, which may cause complete airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis. Invasive procedures should be avoided until the airway is secured. C. Request an x-ray of the neck: A lateral neck x-ray can help confirm the diagnosis of epiglottitis by showing a swollen epiglottis ("thumb sign"). Imaging is useful when performed carefully in a controlled environment. D. Administer fluconazole: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication and is not indicated for bacterial epiglottitis, which is typically caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b or other bacteria.