On admission of a 3-month-old with meningococcal meningitis, which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

• A. Instituting droplet precautions
• B. Administering acetaminophen
• C. Obtaining history information from the parents
• D. Orienting the parents to the pediatric unit

Answer: (A)

Meningococcal meningitis is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, so stopping transmission is the immediate priority at admission. Instituting droplet precautions protects anyone who will care for the infant and others in the unit. This includes placing the child in isolation and using appropriate PPE, such as a mask when within about 3 feet of the patient, along with gloves and gown as you provide care.

While fever management with acetaminophen is important for comfort, it does not reduce contagion. Gathering history and orienting the family are important tasks, but they come after ensuring proper infection control to prevent spread.