A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes when passively flexing the client's neck there is an involuntary flexion of both legs. Which of the following conditions is the client displaying?

Bradykinesia

Kernig's sign

Nuchal rigidity

Brudzinski's sign

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. It is not typically assessed through neck flexion in the context of meningitis.

B. Kernig's sign: Kernig's sign is assessed by flexing the patient's hip and knee and then attempting to extend the knee. Resistance or pain during knee extension suggests meningeal irritation, but it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs.

C. Nuchal rigidity: Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness and pain in the neck and inability to flex the neck forward due to inflammation of the meninges. While it is related to meningitis, it does not involve involuntary flexion of the legs.

D. Brudzinski's sign: Brudzinski's sign is a physical exam finding where passive flexion of the neck results in involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. It is a classic sign of meningeal irritation, often seen in meningitis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Obtain the client's heart rate: While obtaining the client's heart rate is important in the assessment of autonomic dysreflexia, assessing for and addressing the underlying cause take precedence.

B. Administer a nitrate antihypertensive: Administering antihypertensive medication may be necessary if autonomic dysreflexia is confirmed, but it is not the first action to take. Addressing the cause of autonomic dysreflexia, such as bladder distention, is the priority.

C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position: Elevating the client's head may help reduce blood pressure, but it does not address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia. Assessing for and addressing the cause, such as bladder distention, is the priority.

D. Assess the client for bladder distention: Autonomic dysreflexia is commonly triggered by stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, such as bladder distention. Assessing the client's bladder for distention and addressing any urinary retention or obstruction is the first action to take in managing autonomic dysreflexia.

A. Start a labetalol drip to keep BP less than 140/90 mm Hg. B. Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees. C. Begin tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) intravenously per protocol. D. Infuse normal saline intravenously at 75 mL/hr.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Start a labetalol drip to keep BP less than 140/90 mm Hg: This order is appropriate because it aims to lower the patient's blood pressure to a target range recommended for acute ischemic stroke management.

B. Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees: This intervention is part of stroke management to prevent aspiration and improve cerebral perfusion.

C. Begin tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) intravenously per protocol: The nurse should question this order because tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is contraindicated in patients with stroke who have had symptoms for more than 3 hours or have unknown time of onset, as in this case where the patient has been aphasic for 3 hours. Administering tPA in this situation could increase the risk of bleeding complications without providing benefit.

D. Infuse normal saline intravenously at 75 mL/hr: This order is appropriate for maintaining hydration and intravascular volume in the acute care setting.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes when passively flexing the client's neck there is an involuntary flexion of both legs. Which of the following conditions is the client displaying?

Nursing Test Bank

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Explanation

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