A nursing student is caring for a child with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) who has a fever and is experiencing difficulty breathing, Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

A. Assessing respiratory status and oxygen saturation is the priority to monitor for any respiratory distress. B. Comfort measures can be provided but are secondary to assessing breathing difficulty. C. Hydration is important but does not take precedence over respiratory assessment. D. Administering a fever-reducing medication is supportive but does not address the breathing difficulty directly.