A 3-year-old male in respiratory distress cannot swallow and is drooling. What should you do?

In a situation where a 3-year-old male is experiencing respiratory distress, cannot swallow, and is drooling, the most appropriate first step is to administer oxygen. The presentation suggests the child may have an obstruction or severe airway compromise, which can be common due to various causes such as croup or anaphylaxis.

Administering supplemental oxygen can help ensure that the child is receiving adequate oxygenation, which is crucial to prevent further hypoxia and potential deterioration of their condition. In this case, the child's inability to swallow and drooling are indicative of airway compromise, and providing oxygen can help relieve some of the distress while waiting for further assessment or intervention.

Other interventions, while important in a complete management plan, are not the immediate priority. For instance, suctioning the airway is typically reserved for cases where there is a clear blockage by secretions, and placing the child in the recovery position may not be the most effective in managing the airway situation. Inserting an oropharyngeal airway is also an intervention that requires the patient to have an intact gag reflex and is not appropriate in this scenario given the child's status. Therefore, the initiation of oxygen therapy is a critical first step in managing the respiratory distress and ensuring the child maintains adequate