A 4-year-old is brought to the emergency department with sudden onset of a temperature of 103°F (39.5°C), sore throat, and refusal to drink. The child will not lie down and prefers to lean forward...

A 4-year-old is brought to the emergency department with sudden onset of a temperature of 103°F (39.5°C), sore throat, and refusal to drink. The child will not lie down and prefers to lean forward while sitting up. Which of the following should the nurse do next?

1. Give 600 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectally, as prescribed.

2. Inspect the child's throat for redness and swelling.

3. Have an appropriate-sized tracheostomy tube readily available.

4. Obtain a specimen for a throat culture.