A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is C: Administer a short-acting B2-agonist (SABA). In status asthmaticus, the priority is to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow quickly. SABA, like albuterol, provides rapid bronchodilation, making it crucial in managing acute exacerbations. Determining the cause (A) is important but not the priority in an emergency situation. Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid (B) is more for long-term control and not rapid relief. Obtaining a peak flow reading (D) can help assess severity but does not address the immediate need for bronchodilation.