You are called to evaluate a 3-year-old child that has a respiratory illness. the child is on his hands and knees in his bed. the mother says he has had a bad cough before but never like this. this cough, which sounds like inspiratory stridor to you, came on suddenly tonight. you are aware of the child’s position, but also that he is drooling, not swallowing, and has circumoral cyanosis. the mother says the child has never used an inhaler and has no chronic problems. your best action at this time is to: