Before administering antibiotics for suspected meningitis, the nurse should first check for allergic reaction to antibiotics.

Before administering antibiotics for suspected meningitis, the nurse should first check for allergic reaction to antibiotics.

• A. Determine if the client is allergic to the antibiotics
• B. Start antibiotics immediately
• C. Place patient on airborne isolation
• D. Draw a blood culture before antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Verifying whether the patient has allergies to antibiotics before administration is a key safety step. A known allergy can trigger a rapid, potentially life-threatening reaction such as anaphylaxis, especially in a patient with a serious infection like meningitis. By checking the patient’s chart, asking about prior reactions, and looking for allergy identifiers, the nurse ensures the selected antibiotic is safe or can switch to a non‑allergic option if needed. In suspected meningitis, antibiotics should be started promptly after cultures are obtained when possible, but this safety check should come first to prevent introducing a dangerous reaction. While obtaining cultures and implementing appropriate isolation are important, they do not take precedence over confirming allergy status before giving the drug.

Verifying whether the patient has allergies to antibiotics before administration is a key safety step. A known allergy can trigger a rapid, potentially life-threatening reaction such as anaphylaxis, especially in a patient with a serious infection like meningitis. By checking the patient’s chart, asking about prior reactions, and looking for allergy identifiers, the nurse ensures the selected antibiotic is safe or can switch to a non‑allergic option if needed. In suspected meningitis, antibiotics should be started promptly after cultures are obtained when possible, but this safety check should come first to prevent introducing a dangerous reaction. While obtaining cultures and implementing appropriate isolation are important, they do not take precedence over confirming allergy status before giving the drug.