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?

A. Administer an intravenous antibiotic: Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency; early administration of IV antibiotics is critical to prevent rapid deterioration and neurologic complications. B. Obtain blood cultures: Important for diagnosis, but should not delay antibiotic administration. C. Prepare the child for a lumbar puncture: Lumbar puncture confirms diagnosis, but antibiotics should be started immediately; delaying treatment could be life-threatening. D. Place the child in isolation: Isolation prevents disease spread, but it is secondary to treating the infection promptly.