What is the priority nursing intervention for an infant diagnosed with bacterial meningitis?

In the context of an infant diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, minimizing environmental stimuli is a key nursing intervention because it helps reduce stress and discomfort for the infant. Meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure, and infants may be sensitive to noise, bright lights, and unnecessary handling. Reducing stimuli creates a calming environment that can help the infant rest and allows for better healing.

Other interventions such as increasing fluid intake and encouraging family visitation may be beneficial but are secondary to the immediate need for a nurturing and calm environment. The administration of antibiotics is critical for the treatment of bacterial meningitis; however, it is often done quickly by a medical team and may not directly relate to the nursing priority of providing a supportive environment to promote recovery.