A nurse is caring for a client who has meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The provider orders penicillin G IV for this client. Before administering the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale: While monitoring temperature is important for a client with meningitis to track the resolution of infection, it is not a prerequisite for administering penicillin. It does not prevent life-threatening complications. Choice B rationale: Assessing the level of consciousness is a critical part of the neurological assessment for meningitis. However, it is not the specific priority action required before administering a first dose of an antibiotic. Choice C rationale: Penicillin carries a high risk of anaphylaxis. The nurse must verify the client's allergy history to ensure safety, as a previous reaction to penicillin or cephalosporins could lead to a fatal allergic response. Choice D rationale: While cultures must be obtained before starting antibiotics, this question specifies the provider has already ordered the medication for an identified organism (Streptococcus pneumoniae), implying the diagnostic cultures have already been completed.