A 10-month-old infant with bacterial meningitis was just started on antibiotic therapy. Which nursing action is especially important in this situation?

A. Gentamicin is typically administered intravenously, not orally, for serious infections like meningitis due to poor oral absorption. B. Encouraging 3,000 mL of fluid is excessive and inappropriate for a 10-month-old, risking fluid overload. C. Wearing a mask is an essential infection control measure when caring for an infant with bacterial meningitis, especially meningococcal meningitis, which can be highly contagious and transmitted via respiratory droplets. D. Forcing neck flexion can cause severe pain and is contraindicated in meningitis, where neck stiffness is a hallmark symptom.