A nurse is caring for a child who has a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

The correct answer is Choice B.Choice B rationaleAdministering an intravenous antibiotic is the priority action for a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. Early administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the infection and prevent complications such as brain swelling and seizures.Choice A rationaleObtaining blood cultures is important for identifying the causative organism, but it should be done immediately before or concurrently with the administration of antibiotics.Choice C rationalePreparing the child for a lumbar puncture is necessary for diagnosing meningitis, but it should not delay the administration of antibiotics.Choice D rationalePlacing the child in isolation is important to prevent the spread of infection, but it is not the immediate priority over administering antibiotics.