What respiratory intervention is appropriate for a two-year-old with a high-pitched inhalation sound?

The appropriate respiratory intervention for a two-year-old exhibiting a high-pitched inhalation sound, commonly referred to as stridor, is the administration of nebulized racemic epinephrine. This high-pitched sound is often indicative of upper airway obstruction or swelling, which can be seen in conditions like croup or laryngotracheobronchitis.

Nebulized racemic epinephrine acts as a bronchodilator, providing rapid relief of airway swelling by causing vasoconstriction and reducing edema in the airway tissues. This medication is particularly beneficial in acute scenarios where a child presents with stridor, as it can quickly alleviate distress and improve airflow.

In contrast, administering corticosteroids (although they have an important role in managing inflammation over the longer term) would not provide immediate relief for acute airway swelling. Providing humidified oxygen can help with respiratory symptoms but would not directly address the obstruction or inflammation causing the stridor. Utilizing a high-flow nasal cannula may assist with oxygenation but does not target the underlying issue in the upper airway that the nebulized epinephrine directly addresses. Thus, administering nebulized racemic epinephrine is the most appropriate and effective intervention in this scenario.