List in order of priority the actions the nurse would take when providing care for an infant with suspected bacterial meningitis.

• A. 1-2-3-4-5
• B. 1-2-5-3-4
• C. 2-1-3-5-4
• D. 1-5-2-3-4

Answer: (B)

In suspected bacterial meningitis, immediate steps center on preventing spread, confirming the diagnosis, and starting treatment quickly. The most effective sequence begins with strict infection-control measures to protect staff and other patients, then collecting diagnostic cultures before antibiotics to identify the organism and tailor therapy. Once cultures are drawn, administer empiric IV antibiotics without delay to halt the infection and reduce the risk of serious complications. After treatment is underway, proceed with any necessary diagnostic procedures (such as lumbar puncture for CSF analysis) and continue with ongoing supportive care, including monitoring vital signs, fluid status, and fever management.

This order makes sense because it preserves diagnostic accuracy and infection control first, then delivers urgent therapy to stop the disease process, followed by the remaining assessments and supportive measures. Other sequences tend to delay either isolation, culture collection, or immediate antibiotic therapy, which can worsen outcomes in a fast-moving infection like meningitis.