For a client diagnosed with presumptive bacterial pneumonia, which action should a nurse take first?

In the case of a client diagnosed with presumptive bacterial pneumonia, the priority action is placing the client on droplet isolation precautions. This is crucial because bacterial pneumonia can be contagious, and the client may spread respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing, or talking. Implementing droplet precautions effectively protects both healthcare workers and other patients from potential exposure to infectious agents.

While providing oxygen can be important for a client experiencing respiratory distress, and administering antipyretics may help manage fever, the immediate concern in a suspected contagious condition is to prevent transmission to others. Remaining a meter away from the client does not adequately mitigate the risk of infection, especially if droplet precautions are not in place. Thus, initiating droplet isolation ensures that safety protocols are adhered to promptly and effectively.