The nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock with a blood pressure of 105/60 mm Hg, heart rate 110 beats/min, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, oxygen saturation (5p02) 95% on 45% supplemental oxygen via Venturi mask, and a temperature of 102 F. The physician orders stat administration of an antibiotic. Which additional physician order should the nurse complete first?

Rationale: A. Blood cultures are correct because obtaining cultures before starting antibiotics is essential in septic shock. Identifying the causative organism guides targeted antimicrobial therapy. Administering antibiotics before cultures may reduce the yield, making it harder to identify the pathogen. This is a time-sensitive priority in sepsis management. B. Foley insertion is incorrect as it is used for strict urine output monitoring, which is important in septic shock but not immediately urgent before starting antibiotics. It can be done after cultures are obtained and antibiotic therapy is initiated. C. Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for organ dysfunction or imbalances in septic shock, but obtaining them is not as urgent as obtaining cultures prior to antibiotics. Delaying antibiotics to wait for labs could worsen outcomes. D. Chest x-ray may be indicated if a pulmonary source of infection is suspected, but it is not the highest priority. Blood cultures should be drawn first because early antibiotic administration after culture collection is critical to reduce morbidity and mortality in septic shock.