Prior to administration of the initial antibiotic dose, a nurse should?

• A. Measure the client's urine output
• B. Ensure culture and sensitivity specimens have been obtained
• C. Obtain the client's body temperature
• D. Determine the client's weight

Answer: (B)

Before giving the first dose of an antibiotic, obtaining culture and sensitivity specimens is essential. Cultures identify the causative organism and, when combined with sensitivity testing, reveal which antibiotic is likely to be effective. This guides targeted therapy and helps avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum use, reduces the risk of resistance, and improves patient outcomes by ensuring the chosen antibiotic matches the pathogen. While other data like urine output, temperature, and weight are important for overall patient assessment and dosing considerations, they do not directly determine which antibiotic will be effective as efficiently as culture results.