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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Pulmonary embolism would cause chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis, but not petechiae or neurological changes.
Choice B rationale: While chest pain might be associated with myocardial infarction, the combination of symptoms aligns more with a pulmonary embolism.
Choice C rationale: Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, brain, or other organs. This can
cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, petechiae (reddish-purple spots on the skin), and cardiac dysfunction.
Choice D rationale: Compartment syndrome doesn't typically manifest with respiratory symptoms or reddish-purple spots.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Plantar fasciitis typically presents with severe pain in the arch of the foot, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
Choice B rationale: Multiple toe deformities are not typically associated with plantar fasciitis.
Choice C rationale: Redness and severe swelling are not typical findings in plantar fasciitis.
Choice D rationale: Numbness and paresthesia are not common findings in plantar fasciitis.
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