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Nursing QUESTION #9303
Question 1
A patient is suspected to have meningitis. The nurse performs a Kernig's sign test. Kernig's sign is positive when:
  • The patient's neck stiffens on passive flexion
  • The patient cannot straighten the knee when the hip is flexed at 90 degrees✔️
  • The pupil fails to react to light
  • Plantar flexion occurs on stroking the sole
Correct Answer Explanation

Kernig's Sign — assessment for meningeal irritation:

  • Position: Patient supine, flex hip and knee to 90 degrees
  • Attempt to extend (straighten) the knee
  • Positive sign: Resistance and pain on knee extension (patient cannot straighten leg) — indicates meningeal irritation/meningitis

Other signs of meningitis:

SignTestPositive Finding
Brudzinski's signPassive neck flexionInvoluntary hip and knee flexion
Kernig's signHip flexed, extend kneeResistance/pain on extension
Nuchal rigidityPassive neck flexionResistance/pain (stiff neck)

Classic triad of bacterial meningitis: fever, neck stiffness, altered consciousness.