The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection. The physician has ordered an antibiotic. What is the priority prior to administering this medication?

A. Obtain a platelet count: Platelet count is not routinely required before antibiotics for a UTI. B. Obtain a blood pressure: Blood pressure is not a priority for a UTI but might be checked for other reasons. C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity: This is the most important step. Culturing the urine helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic. Knowing the sensitivity profile helps select the antibiotic most likely to work against that particular bacteria. D. Obtain a PTT: PTT (partial thromboplastin time) is not routinely required before antibiotics for a UTI.