The parent of a child with complex health care needs tells the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner that the child has had difficulty breathing the past two nights but can’t articulate specific symptoms. The child has normal oxygen saturations and a normal respiratory rate with clear breath sounds. What will the nurse practitioner do?

Admit the child to the hospital for close observation and monitoring of respiratory status. Encourage the parent to call when concerned and schedule a follow-up appointment the next day. Perform a complete blood count, blood cultures, and a chest radiograph to evaluate symptoms. Reassure the parent that the child has a normal exam and is most likely not ill.