A toddler is admitted to the pediatric unit with presumptive bacterial meningitis. The initial orders include isolation, intravenous access, cultures, and antimicrobial agents. The nurse knows that antibiotic therapy will begin when?
a. After the diagnosis is confirmed
b. When the medication is received from the pharmacy
c. After the child's fluid and electrolyte balance is stabilized
d. As soon as the practitioner is notified of the culture results
ANS: B
Antimicrobial therapy is begun as soon as a presumptive diagnosis is made. The choice of drug is based on the most likely infective agent. Drug choice may be adjusted when the culture results are obtained. Waiting for culture results to begin therapy increases the risk of neurologic damage. Although fluid and electrolyte balance is important, there is no indication that this child is unstable. Antibiotic therapy would be a priority intervention.
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