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

A. Inspect the preschooler's tonsils for edema.: While tonsil inspection might be part of a general assessment, in a child with suspected epiglottitis, inspecting the throat should be avoided as it can trigger airway obstruction or cause further distress. B. Collect a sputum sample.: Sputum collection is not typically indicated for epiglottitis diagnosis. A rapid diagnosis is essential to ensure timely intervention, and sputum samples are not a key diagnostic tool for this condition. C. Determine the preschooler's oxygen saturation level.: Epiglottitis can lead to significant airway obstruction, so monitoring the oxygen saturation level is critical to assess for hypoxia and ensure adequate oxygenation. Early intervention may be required to maintain the child's airway. D. Obtain a specimen for throat culture.: A throat culture should not be obtained in suspected epiglottitis, as manipulating the throat could cause complete airway obstruction. Immediate intervention to secure the airway is the priority.