Final answer:
The nurse should begin droplet precautions for a college student with meningococcal meningitis to prevent the spread of the disease through respiratory droplets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a college student with meningococcal meningitis should begin droplet precautions. Meningococcal meningitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Since college students living in communal housing, such as dorms, are at increased risk for contracting meningitis, the use of droplet precautions is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease to others. Droplet precautions include wearing a mask when in close contact with the patient.