The priority of nursing care for a child admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis is to:

• A. Initiate isolation precautions as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed
• B. Initiate isolation precautions as soon as the causative agent is identified
• C. Administer antibiotic therapy as soon as it is ordered
• D. Administer sedatives/analgesics on a preventive schedule to manage pain

Answer: (C)

Starting antibiotic therapy as soon as it is ordered is the priority. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, and delaying treatment increases the risk of death and long-term neurologic damage. Because the specific organism isn’t known at first, clinicians use empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics right after blood cultures are drawn, aiming to reach the CNS promptly and then adjust therapy once results are available. Isolation precautions and diagnostic steps matter and should be started quickly, but they should not delay the administration of antibiotics. Pain control is important, yet it should not postpone urgent antibiotic treatment.