A 3-year-old is brought into the emergency department in her mother's arms. The child's mouth is open and she is drooling and lethargic. Her mother states that she became ill suddenly within the past...

A 3-year-old is brought into the emergency department in her mother's arms. The child's mouth is open and she is drooling and lethargic. Her mother states that she became ill suddenly within the past 2 hours. What should the nurse do first?

1. Draw blood cultures for complete blood count.

2. Start an intravenous line.

3. Inspect the child's throat with a tongue blade.

4. Maintain the child in an undisturbed, upright position.