A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes that 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

Brudzinski's sign

Kernig's sign

Nuchal rigidity

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason : Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, not meningitis. It is characterized by a gradual loss of spontaneous movement and can affect the ability to initiate and continue movements¹.

Choice B reason : Brudzinski's sign is a clinical sign that suggests meningitis when neck flexion causes reflex flexion of the hips and knees. It occurs due to meningeal irritation caused by spinal cord movement or nerves against the meninges¹. This sign is considered positive when passive flexion of the neck results in reflex flexion of the hips and knees, indicating meningeal irritation².

Choice C reason : Kernig's sign is another clinical sign used to evaluate for meningitis. It involves extending and straightening one knee while the individual lies on their back with their hips and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. A positive Kernig’s sign indicates pain or resistance when the leg is extended, which suggests meningitis³. However, it is not the condition described in the scenario.

Choice D reason : Nuchal rigidity is an inability to flex the neck forward due to rigidity of the neck muscles. While it is a sign of meningitis, it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs as described in the scenario. Nuchal rigidity is typically assessed by attempting to flex the patient's neck forward while they are in a supine position⁴.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason : While it is important to assure the client, the nurse must first verify that there is a formal DNR order in place to legally honor the client's wishes¹².

Choice B reason : Checking for a DNR order in the medical record is the correct action to ensure that the client's wishes regarding resuscitation are documented and will be followed by all healthcare providers¹².

Choice C reason : Asking about a healthcare proxy is important, but it is secondary to confirming that the client's wishes are documented in the medical record through a DNR order or advance directives¹².

Choice D reason : Verifying a signed copy of the advance directives is crucial, but the immediate step is to check for a DNR order, which is specifically related to the client's request not to be resuscitated¹².

A. Act as if the hallucination is real. B. Instruct the client to argue with the voices that are part of the hallucination. C. Ask the client direct questions about the hallucination. D. Tell the client that the hallucination is not a part of reality.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason : Acting as if the hallucination is real can validate the client's false perceptions and potentially reinforce the hallucination. It is important to maintain a sense of reality and not to enter into the client's hallucinatory experience.

Choice B reason : Instructing the client to argue with the voices is not therapeutic. It can increase the client's agitation and anxiety, and it does not help in distinguishing reality from hallucinations.

Choice C reason : While it is important to understand the client's experience, asking direct questions about the hallucination may lead the client to focus more on the hallucination, which can reinforce its presence. The nurse should focus on reality-based topics.

Choice D reason : This is the correct action. The nurse should gently and firmly reassure the client that the hallucination is not real and is a symptom of their illness. This helps to orient the client to reality and can reduce the distress associated with hallucinations.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes that 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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing a hallucination. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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