In assessing a 2-year-old boy with croup, the practical nurse (PN) finds that he has become increasingly irritable and has developed tachypnea and resting stridor. Which intervention is best for the PN to implement?

Instruct the mother to play with the child for stimulation and distraction.

Administer a dose of acetaminophen as needed.

Monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry.

Encourage the child to drink adequate amounts of fluids.