2/10/2017 2100 18-year-old college student presents to the emergency department with a severe headache and onset of bizarre behavior that started approximately five hours ago. Client is oriented to person, but not place or time. Physical assessment includes petechiae. Oral temperature is 104° F (40° C). HR: 128/bpm. RR: 24/min, O2: 95% on room air. Lumbar puncture ordered. Client is being evaluated for bacterial meningitis. What is the most important action by the nurse?