A 6-year-old patient has difficulty breathing.

The correct answer is A because during the primary assessment , the priority is to correct hypoxia immediately . This patient has an SpO₂ of 88% , indicating significant hypoxemia , along with signs of respiratory distress (tachypnea, wheezing, cool clammy skin).

NREMT-aligned guidance emphasizes that oxygen administration is the first intervention in patients with inadequate oxygenation. High-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask (NRB) is appropriate for a patient who is still breathing spontaneously but is hypoxic.

While wheezing suggests bronchoconstriction and albuterol may be needed, oxygenation takes priority first in the treatment sequence.