In a case of respiratory distress in a 3-year-old, what is the best immediate action?

In cases of respiratory distress in young children, it is crucial to first ensure that the child remains calm and that any intervention is non-threatening. Holding an oxygen mask near the child's face allows them to receive supplemental oxygen while minimizing distress. This action can help alleviate anxiety and encourage the child to breathe more easily without the immediate stress of having the mask forced onto their face.

Applying oxygen in this gentle and non-invasive manner can be especially effective in young children, as it maintains a sense of safety and security. It can also help improve oxygen saturation levels without causing further respiratory distress.

When considering other options, gently restraining the child and assisting ventilations might become necessary in severe cases, but this should typically be a last resort after initial non-invasive measures have been attempted. Using a nasal cannula does provide oxygen, but at a flow rate of 6 L/min, it may not be sufficient to meet the child's needs in a significant respiratory distress situation. A nonrebreathing mask applied at 12 L/min, while potentially effective for high oxygen delivery, may be more distressing for the child compared to simply holding an oxygen mask near their face, and the immediate focus should be on reducing anxiety and making the child comfortable.