What is the first action a nurse should take when bacterial meningitis is suspected in a client?

A. Initiate isolation precautions — This is the first action the nurse should take. Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious (often spread via droplet transmission), and immediate isolation (droplet precautions) helps prevent spread to others. B. Administer antibiotics after collecting cultures — This is a critical next step, but only after the client is placed in isolation to protect others. C. Prepare for a lumbar puncture after ruling out increased ICP — While a lumbar puncture is important for diagnosis, increased ICP must be ruled out first, and this is not the immediate first action. D. Start IV fluids — Supportive care is important, but it is not the priority over infection control measures.