Final answer:
The nurse should administer antibiotics as prescribed to treat a child with epiglottitis. Other options, such as inspecting the throat with a tongue depressor or offering cold fluids and lollipops, are contraindicated and can be dangerous.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse in an ER is caring for a school-age child who has epiglottitis, the appropriate action to take is C) Administer antibiotics as prescribed. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which can block the airway. It is important to treat it promptly with antibiotics to fight the infection. In contrast, options A, B, and D could be dangerous. Specifically, using a tongue depressor to inspect the throat can cause a spasm that may completely obstruct the airway. Cold fluids and offering food items like a lollipop are contraindicated in the management of epiglottitis due to the risk of triggering complete obstruction.