The nurse assesses a patient who potentially may have meningitis. The patient demonstrates a positive Brudzinski's sign with which changes in position.

Flexion of the hip causes resistance to extension of the leg.

Flexion of the neck causes flexion of the hips and knees.

Flexion of the ankle causes upward fanning of the toes.

Flexion of the neck causes pain and spasm in the leg muscles.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Flexion of the hip causing resistance to extension of the leg is not a sign of meningitis. It is a sign of hip joint inflammation or injury.

Choice B reason: Flexion of the neck causing flexion of the hips and knees is a positive Brudzinski's sign. It indicates irritation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Choice C reason: Flexion of the ankle causing upward fanning of the toes is not a sign of meningitis. It is a sign of an upper motor neuron lesion, such as a stroke or spinal cord injury.

Choice D reason: Flexion of the neck causing pain and spasm in the leg muscles is not a sign of meningitis. It is a sign of muscle strain or nerve compression.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Polyphasia and nystagmus are not signs of neurological deterioration, but rather of speech and eye disorders. Polyphasia is the excessive use of words or speech, and nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the eyes.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Increased respiratory rate and depth are not signs of neurological deterioration, but rather of respiratory distress or hyperventilation. They may indicate a problem with the lungs or the blood gases, not the brain.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Decreased level of consciousness and difficulty arousing upon stimulation are signs of neurological deterioration, as they indicate a decrease in the brain's ability to function and respond to stimuli. They may be caused by increased intracranial pressure, bleeding, swelling, or infection in the brain.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Decreased pulse pressure and pupils slowly reactive and round to light are not signs of neurological deterioration, but rather of cardiovascular or autonomic dysfunction. They may indicate a problem with the heart or the blood pressure, not the brain.

A. decreasing intracranial pressure with decerebrate posturing. B. increasing intracranial pressure with decorticate posturing. C. decreasing intracranial pressure with decorticate posturing. D. increasing intracranial pressure with decerebrate posturing.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Decreasing intracranial pressure with decerebrate posturing is not the correct answer. Decerebrate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs, and the arching of the back. It is not associated with decreasing intracranial pressure, but rather with increased pressure or brainstem compression.

Choice B reason: Increasing intracranial pressure with decorticate posturing is the correct answer. Decorticate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the flexion of the arms at the elbows and the extension of the legs. It is associated with increased intracranial pressure or lesions in the cerebral hemispheres.

Choice C reason: Decreasing intracranial pressure with decorticate posturing is not the correct answer. Decorticate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the flexion of the arms at the elbows and the extension of the legs. It is not associated with decreasing intracranial pressure, but rather with increased pressure or lesions in the cerebral hemispheres.

Choice D reason: Increasing intracranial pressure with decerebrate posturing is not the correct answer. Decerebrate posturing is a sign of severe brain damage that involves the extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs, and the arching of the back. It is associated with increased intracranial pressure or brainstem compression, but it is not the posture described in the question.

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The nurse assesses a patient who potentially may have meningitis. The patient demonstrates a positive Brudzinski's sign with which changes in position.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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