NCLEX Nursing Leadership and Management Questions Related

Review NCLEX Nursing Leadership and Management Questions related questions and content

The emergency department (ED) nurse is caring for a client with suspected bacterial meningitis. The nurse should take which priority action?

  • A. Notify public health services
  • B. Dim the lights in the assigned room
  • C. Obtain blood cultures
  • D. Explore the client's feelings regarding the diagnosis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Obtaining blood cultures (C) is the priority action for suspected bacterial meningitis to confirm the diagnosis and guide antibiotic therapy. While droplet precautions (not listed) are also critical to prevent spread, cultures are the most urgent among the options. Notifying public health (A) is secondary, dimming lights (B) addresses comfort, and exploring feelings (D) is not a priority in an acute infection.