Benchmark I Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

Promptly starting broad-spectrum IV antibiotics is the most important first step when bacterial meningitis is suspected. This life-threatening infection can deteriorate quickly, and delays in antibiotic treatment are linked to higher mortality and more severe neurologic complications. The nurse should obtain cultures (as feasible) but should not wait for results to begin treatment. Administering antibiotics promptly targets the infection and improves outcomes. Dexamethasone given just before or with the first antibiotic dose can help lessen inflammatory brain injury, but it does not replace antibiotics and should not delay their administration. While monitoring vital signs and implementing droplet precautions are important for safety and infection control, they do not directly reduce the time-critical risk of overwhelming infection, making immediate antibiotic therapy the best initial action.