A child is being admitted with the diagnosis of meningitis. Select the procedure the nurse should do first:

Choice A reason: Sending spinal fluid and blood for cultures is critical to identify the meningitis-causing organism, but it is not the first action. Delaying antibiotics risks worsening the infection, as bacterial meningitis progresses rapidly, causing neurological damage or death, making treatment the priority. Choice B reason: Administering maintenance IV fluids supports hydration but is not the first priority in meningitis. Antibiotics are urgent to combat the infection, as bacterial meningitis can cause septicemia or brain damage within hours, making fluid administration secondary to immediate antimicrobial therapy. Choice C reason: Placing a urinary catheter is unnecessary as the first action in meningitis. It may be used for monitoring in severe cases but does not address the urgent need to treat the infection. Antibiotics take precedence to prevent rapid neurological deterioration from bacterial proliferation. Choice D reason: Administering IV antibiotics is the priority in suspected meningitis to rapidly treat bacterial infection, preventing complications like septicemia or brain damage. Prompt antibiotic therapy targets pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis, halting disease progression and improving outcomes in this life-threatening condition.