If a patient presents with signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis, what should be done immediately?

In cases of suspected bacterial meningitis, the immediate administration of IV antibiotics is crucial because bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications, including neurological impairment and even death. Starting antibiotic therapy as soon as possible is critical to combating the bacterial infection and reducing mortality rates associated with the condition.

Delayed treatment increases the risk of severe outcomes, as bacteria can multiply quickly in the central nervous system. The initiation of IV antibiotics should ideally occur before diagnostic procedures like a lumbar puncture, as waiting for lumbar puncture results can delay life-saving treatment.

While proper hydration and pain management are important aspects of patient care, they do not address the underlying infection caused by bacterial meningitis nor do they provide the immediate relief that antibiotics would. Therefore, starting IV antibiotics is the priority when bacterial meningitis is suspected.