Summary
Summary ( 9 Questions)
A client is admitted to the hospital with suspected meningitis.
Which assessment finding should alert the nurse to perform a Kernig's sign test?
This is a nonspecific sign of infection and inflammation and does not indicate meningitis specifically.
This is a common symptom of meningitis, due to the increased intracranial pressure caused by inflammation of the meninges. However, it is not a specific sign that warrants performing a Kernig's sign test.
Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and indicates inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Kernig's sign is a test that involves flexing the client's hip and knee at 90 degrees and then attempting to straighten the leg. A positive Kernig's sign is when the client experiences pain or resistance in the hamstring muscles, indicating meningeal irritation.
This is a common symptom of meningitis, due to the sensitivity of the optic nerve to light caused by inflammation of the meninges. However, it is not a specific sign that warrants performing a Kernig's sign test.
Nuchal rigidity
Rationale: Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and indicates inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Kernig's sign is a test that involves flexing the client's hip and knee at 90 degrees and then attempting to straighten the leg. A positive Kernig's sign is when the client experiences pain or resistance in the hamstring muscles, indicating meningeal irritation.
Incorrect options:
A) Fever - This is a nonspecific sign of infection and inflammation and does not indicate meningitis specifically.
B) Headache - This is a common symptom of meningitis, due to the increased intracranial pressure caused by inflammation of the meninges. However, it is not a specific sign that warrants performing a Kernig's sign test.
D) Photophobia - This is a common symptom of meningitis, due to the sensitivity of the optic nerve to light caused by inflammation of the meninges. However, it is not a specific sign that warrants performing a Kernig's sign test.