The father of a hospitalized child tells the nurse, "He can't have meat. We are Buddhist and vegetarians." The nurse's best intervention is to:

Choice A reason: This response is not correct because a faster heart rate does not necessarily imply respiratory compromise. A child's heart rate is normally faster than an adult's due to the smaller size and higher metabolic rate of the child.

Choice B reason: This response is not correct because a greater body surface area does not directly affect the respiratory system. A child's body surface area is larger than an adult's in proportion to their body weight, which means they lose heat more easily and are more prone to hypothermia.

Choice C reason: This response is correct because a narrower airway diameter makes the child more susceptible to airway obstruction, inflammation, and edema. A child's airway is about one-third the size of an adult's, which means that even a small amount of swelling or secretions can significantly reduce the airway caliber and cause respiratory distress.

Choice D reason: This response is not correct because the ability to verbalize is not a factor that contributes to respiratory compromise. However, the inability to verbalize may make it harder for the child to communicate their symptoms and needs, which may delay the recognition and treatment of respiratory problems.

Choice A reason: Notifying the child's parents of his condition is important, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should prioritize the child's immediate needs and assess his respiratory status.

Choice B reason: Educating the child to avoid triggers is a preventive measure that can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, but it is not helpful in an acute situation. The nurse should focus on providing relief and monitoring the child's response.

Choice C reason: Transporting the child to the emergency department may be necessary if the child does not respond to the initial interventions or if his condition worsens, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should first attempt to manage the child's symptoms in the office using the Asthma Action Plan.

Choice D reason: Assessing the child's peak expiratory flow and comparing it to the Asthma Action Plan is the first action that the nurse should take. This will help the nurse determine the severity of the child's asthma attack and the appropriate steps to follow. The Asthma Action Plan is a written document that provides individualized instructions for managing asthma based on the child's symptoms and peak flow readings.