What initial therapy should be initiated for a 5-year-old girl with a history of respiratory difficulties?

Initiating oxygen therapy via nasal cannula is a critical step in managing a 5-year-old girl with a history of respiratory difficulties. This approach prioritizes the restoration of adequate oxygenation, which is essential for preventing hypoxia and its associated complications. In pediatric patients, especially those with a known history of respiratory issues, ensuring that they receive sufficient oxygen can quickly stabilize their condition and improve overall respiratory function.

By using a nasal cannula, clinicians can deliver oxygen directly, allowing for more effective and comfortable administration compared to other methods. This is particularly important in young children who may be anxious or uncooperative in a clinical setting. Ensuring the child has good oxygen saturation levels is fundamental in treating respiratory illnesses without delay.

Other options, while potentially relevant in certain contexts, do not directly address the immediate need for oxygenation in this clinical scenario. Therefore, initiating oxygen therapy is the most appropriate and effective initial intervention.