A nurse is caring for a toddler who is hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Which of the following nursing interventions is the priority?

A. Monitor oxygen saturation and apply humidified oxygen if needed is correct. The priority for a toddler with RSV is maintaining airway patency and adequate oxygenation, as RSV can cause bronchiolitis, airway inflammation, and hypoxemia. Using the Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC) framework, oxygenation takes precedence over other interventions. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and providing humidified oxygen as needed helps prevent respiratory distress or failure. B. Place the child on contact and droplet precautions is important for infection control, but it is not the priority over ensuring adequate oxygenation. Precautions prevent spread of RSV but do not immediately address the child’s respiratory status. C. Administer prescribed antipyretics for a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) is appropriate to manage fever, but reducing fever does not take priority over maintaining oxygenation, which is essential for survival. D. Encourage the child to drink small, frequent amounts of fluids is important to prevent dehydration, especially with fever or difficulty feeding, but fluid intake is secondary to airway and breathing needs.