A nurse is caring for a child who has a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?
A.
Document intake and output.
B.
Administer antibiotics when available
C.
Reduce environmental stimuli
D.
Maintain seizure precaution
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The priority action for the nurse caring for a child with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is B. Administer antibiotics when available.
Explanation
Bacterial meningitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Timely treatment is crucial because the condition can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The immediate administration of intravenous antibiotics is the cornerstone of treatment and is necessary to combat the bacterial infection rapidly. This is critical since bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly, leading to complications such as neurological damage, hearing loss, or even death.
While all the options presented are important in the overall care of a child with suspected bacterial meningitis, the administration of antibiotics takes precedence for several reasons:
- Rapid Disease Progression: Bacterial meningitis can escalate quickly. Symptoms may progress from mild to severe in a matter of hours, making immediate intervention crucial.
- Sepsis Risk: Meningitis can lead to septic shock, characterized by widespread infection and potentially fatal organ dysfunction. Early antibiotic therapy is essential to manage and reduce the risk of sepsis.
- Empirical Treatment: Often, the causative organism is not identified immediately. Administering antibiotics as soon as possible, even before cultures are confirmed, is essential to increase the likelihood of successful treatment.
- Guideline Recommendations: Clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of starting antibiotics as soon as bacterial meningitis is suspected. Delays in treatment can significantly worsen the patient’s condition.
In contrast, while reducing environmental stimuli (option C) and maintaining seizure precautions (option D) are essential components of nursing care in meningitis, they are secondary to the immediate need for antibiotic therapy. Documenting intake and output (option A) is also important for monitoring the child’s condition but does not address the acute treatment needs associated with the diagnosis. Thus, the priority is clear: prompt administration of antibiotics is critical for improving outcomes in pediatric bacterial meningitis.