A client at 42-weeks gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit for a scheduled induction but refuses the prescribed oxytocin infusion because she wants to have a "natural" delivery.

Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A rationale:

Checking the client's temperature is important for assessing the client's condition, but it is not a priority before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the client's level of consciousness is essential for monitoring neurological status, but it is not the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client about any history of allergies is important for assessing potential allergic reactions to medications. However, the most critical action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis is to obtain a blood sample for culture and sensitivity. This action helps identify the causative organism and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy, as meningitis can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a blood sample for culture and sensitivity is the highest priority action before administering penicillin G IV for meningitis. Identifying the specific pathogen responsible for the infection is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic therapy and preventing complications.

Choice A rationale:

Providing information about the client's healthcare power of attorney is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client's change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale:

While the reason for the client's admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client's acute change in mental status.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should be aware of the client's currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client's sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client's altered mental status.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client's immediate needs.