The nurse notes documentation that a child with meningitis is exhibiting a positive Kernig's sign. Which observation is a characteristic of this sign?
Petechial and purpuric rashes are noted on the child's trunk
Neck flexion causes adduction and flexion movements of the lower extremities
The child is not able to extend the leg when the thigh is flexed anteriorly at the hip
The child complains of muscle and joint pain
The Correct Answer is C
C. This is characteristic of Kernig's sign. Kernig's sign is elicited when the thigh is flexed at the hip and then attempts to extend the leg at the knee are met with resistance or pain due to inflammation of the meninges.
A. Petechial and purpuric rashes are associated with meningococcal meningitis, not specifically with Kernig's sign. These rashes result from bleeding into the skin and are a characteristic feature of meningococcal sepsis. However, they are not directly related to Kernig's sign.
B. This observation describes Brudzinski's sign, not Kernig's sign. Brudzinski's sign occurs when passive flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the hips and knees due to meningeal irritation.
D. Muscle and joint pain can be symptoms of meningitis, but they are not specific to Kernig's sign. Kernig's sign specifically refers to resistance or pain experienced when attempting to extend the leg at the knee.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This position, often referred to as the "knee-to-chest" position, is recommended during a cyanotic spell in infants with tetralogy of Fallot because it can help increase venous return to the heart and improve oxygenation. It's important for caregivers to understand this positioning as part of the management for hypercyanotic spells in children with this condition.
A. Placing the baby upright in an infant seat may help improve blood flow and oxygenation, but it's not the recommended position for managing cyanosis in a baby with tetralogy of Fallot.
B. Placing the baby with the head lower than the rest of the body could potentially worsen cyanosis by increasing right-to-left shunting of blood and decreasing pulmonary blood flow.
C. Placing the baby in a supine position with the head elevated worsens pulmonary blood flow by increasing systemic vascular resistance. This position can help worsen cyanosis by promoting better oxygenation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Nausea and vomiting are potential adverse effects of digoxin in children. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, but it can cause gastrointestinal disturbances as a side effect. Nausea and vomiting may occur, especially if the child is receiving too high a dose of digoxin or if they are particularly sensitive to the medication.
B. Improved appetite would not typically indicate an adverse effect of digoxin. In fact, digoxin is not known to have a direct effect on appetite. If a child experienced an increase in appetite while taking digoxin, it would likely be unrelated to the medication or could be due to other factors.
C. Increased urine output would not typically indicate an adverse effect of digoxin. Digoxin is not a diuretic medication, so it would not directly cause increased urine output.
D. Digoxin is not commonly associated with bradycardia in children.
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