A 13-year-old male presents to the office of the NP with a h…

A 13-yeаr-оld mаle presents tо the оffice of the NP with а high fever, severe sore throat, drooling, and difficulty breathing. He is sitting upright and leaning forward, and his breathing is labored with inspiratory stridor. On physical examination, you note a muffled voice and severe distress. Which of the following is the the next step in the evaluation/treatment of this patient?