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 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.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Decreased cardiac output in heart failure can lead to poor perfusion of the extremities, resulting in cool skin and decreased urine output due to reduced renal perfusion and impaired kidney function.
D. Poor feeding is often observed due to increased respiratory effort, tachypnea, and fatigue associated with heart failure. Additionally, infants may exhibit failure to thrive or inadequate weight gain despite increased caloric intake due to metabolic demands and inefficient utilization of nutrients.
E. Tachypnea and respiratory distress occur due to pulmonary congestion and increased respiratory effort in response to heart failure. Infants may exhibit signs such as nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis.
B. Bradycardia and hypotension are not typical manifestations of heart failure in infants. Instead, infants with heart failure often present with tachycardia (rapid heart rate) as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output. Hypotension may occur in severe cases but is not a common finding.
C. Increased appetite and excessive weight gain are not typical manifestations of heart failure in infants. Infants with heart failure often experience poor feeding and failure to thrive due to inadequate cardiac output and oxygen delivery to meet metabolic demands.
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