A client is brought to the emergency department due to vomiting, fever, and a severe headache. The physician suspects meningitis; then assesses the client for meningeal irritation and spinal nerve root inflammation. The nurse documents a positive Kernig's sign when:
The client's forearm spasms when a blood pressure cuff is inflated on the upper arm.
The client complains of pain when his knee is extended with his hip flexed.
The client feels pain in the calf when his foot is dorsiflexed.
The client has a stiff neck when the neck is flexed towards the chest.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: This is a positive Trousseau's sign, which indicates hypocalcemia or tetany. It is not related to meningitis or meningeal irritation.
Choice B rationale: Kernig's sign is indicated when there is resistance and pain with knee extension and hip flexion, suggesting meningeal irritation.
Choice C rationale: This is a positive Homan's sign, which indicates deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis. It is not related to meningitis or meningeal irritation.
Choice D rationale: This is a sign of nuchal rigidity, which indicates meningeal irritation, but it is not specific to Kernig's sign. Nuchal rigidity can also be caused by other conditions such as cervical arthritis or muscle spasm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This test is not specific for confirming osteoporosis.
Choice B rationale: This test is called a bone mineral density (BMD) test or a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. It measures how much calcium and other minerals are in a segment of bone.
Choice C rationale: This test is not specific for confirming osteoporosis.
Choice D rationale: This test is not specific for confirming osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This is a possible sign of TBI but is not necessarily indicative of a life- threatening condition.
Choice B rationale: This is a possible sign of TBI but is not necessarily indicative of a life- threatening condition.
Choice C rationale: This is a possible sign of TBI but is not necessarily indicative of a life- threatening condition.
Choice D rationale: Serosanguineous nasal drainage (a mixture of blood and clear fluid) may suggest a basilar skull fracture, which is a fracture of the base of the skull that can damage vital structures such as the brainstem, cranial nerves, or major blood vessels. This can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or hemorrhage.
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