A client is admitted with sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection. Of the following orders written by the health care provider, the nurse should first:

B. Bowel sounds are typically present and indicate normal gastrointestinal motility. A change from normoactive (normal) to absent bowel sounds can indicate bowel obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis, which are serious complications of diverticulitis. This change warrants immediate reporting to the physician as it may indicate a worsening condition requiring urgent intervention.
A. A temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C) is slightly elevated and may indicate the presence of infection, which is concerning in the context of diverticulitis. Fever is a common symptom of diverticulitis, but an elevated temperature may also suggest worsening infection or the development of complications such as abscess formation or perforation.
C. Left lower quadrant discomfort is a common symptom of diverticulitis due to inflammation in the sigmoid colon, where diverticula are most prevalent. While discomfort is expected in diverticulitis, the severity and persistence of pain should be assessed.
D. An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is indicative of inflammation or infection and is commonly seen in diverticulitis. However, the significance of the elevation depends on the degree of increase and the presence of other clinical findings.

B. Obtaining blood and urine specimens for culture and sensitivity is a critical first step. These specimens help identify the causative organism(s) and determine their susceptibility to antibiotics, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Prompt initiation of targeted antibiotic treatment is essential in managing sepsis effectively.
A. This action is important for assessing the presence of any urinary tract stones or debris, which can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of the urinary tract infection. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in managing a client admitted with sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection.
C. Administering antibiotics before obtaining appropriate cultures may lead to empirical treatment without knowing the specific pathogen causing the infection. It is important to obtain cultures first to guide antibiotic selection and ensure optimal treatment.
D. Contact precautions may be necessary if the client is found to have a multidrug-resistant organism or if there are specific infection control concerns. However, placing the client on contact precautions is not the first action the nurse should take in managing sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection.