What is the priority nursing care for a client demonstrating a positive Brudzinski sign?

The priority nursing care for a client demonstrating a positive Brudzinski sign is administering prescribed antibiotics. A positive Brudzinski sign typically indicates meningeal irritation, which can often be associated with conditions such as meningitis. In such cases, timely administration of antibiotics is crucial because bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment to reduce the risk of complications and mortality.

While monitoring vital signs, providing comfort measures, and calling for an emergency consult are all important aspects of patient care, they serve more as supportive actions rather than immediate interventions. In the context of a suspected bacterial infection, the administration of antibiotics directly addresses the underlying issue and is essential to the patient's survival and recovery. Thus, it is prioritized above other interventions in acute scenarios.