For a patient with a GI infection, what step should the nurse take?

Monitoring white blood cell (WBC) counts and cultures is a key step in managing a patient with a gastrointestinal (GI) infection. Elevated WBC counts often indicate an ongoing infection, as the body responds by producing more white blood cells to fight off the pathogens. These counts can help assess the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment over time.

Cultures are critical for identifying the specific pathogen causing the infection, which is crucial for guiding effective treatment. Knowing the exact organism allows for targeted antibiotic therapy, which is generally more effective than broad-spectrum treatment and helps avoid the development of antibiotic resistance.

In contrast, immediate antibiotic administration may not be warranted without knowing the specific pathogen, especially if it's a viral infection where antibiotics would not be effective. Encouraging physical activity is typically not advisable during an active infection, as it may exacerbate symptoms or fatigue. Additionally, while a high-fiber diet is beneficial for many conditions, it may not be appropriate in the context of certain GI infections that could be irritated by increased fiber intake. Thus, monitoring WBC counts and cultures serves as the most appropriate initial step in the management of a patient with a GI infection.