The doctor ordered a lateral neck x-ray to r/o epiglottitis. the most important nursing action is:

The most important nursing action is to request portable X-ray film be taken in the emergency department.

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. One of the way for detection of epiglostis is using the X-ray. X-rays of the neck from the side may show a "thumbprint sign" which is the sign that the epiglottitis is present.