Which of the following describes the correct procedure for testing for Kernig's sign?
Rotate the neck to one side while observing the eyes moving to the opposite side.
Passively elevate the leg with extended knee while observing for pain, resistance, or flexion.
Stroke the lateral aspect of the sole of the patient's foot and observe for dorsiflexion of the big toe.
Passively flex the patient's neck forward and observe for hip and knee flexion.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Rotating the neck to one side while observing the eyes moving to the opposite side is a procedure for testing for oculocephalic reflex or doll's eye
phenomenon, which indicates brainstem function.
Choice B rationale: This is the correct answer. Kernig's sign is a clinical sign that indicates meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. To test for Kernig's sign, the nurse should flex the patient's hip to 90 degrees and then attempt to extend the knee. A positive Kernig's sign is when the patient
experiences pain in the lower back or hamstring, resists knee extension, or involuntarily flexes the opposite leg.
Choice C rationale: Stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the patient's foot and observing for dorsiflexion of the big toe is a procedure for testing for Babinski's sign, which indicates upper motor neuron lesion or damage.
Choice D rationale: Passively flexing the patient's neck forward and observing for hip and knee flexion is a procedure for testing for Brudzinski's sign, which also indicates meningitis.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This is a positive Trousseau's sign, which indicates hypocalcemia or tetany. It is not related to meningitis or meningeal irritation.
Choice B rationale: Kernig's sign is indicated when there is resistance and pain with knee extension and hip flexion, suggesting meningeal irritation.
Choice C rationale: This is a positive Homan's sign, which indicates deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis. It is not related to meningitis or meningeal irritation.
Choice D rationale: This is a sign of nuchal rigidity, which indicates meningeal irritation, but it is not specific to Kernig's sign. Nuchal rigidity can also be caused by other conditions such as cervical arthritis or muscle spasm.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The patient with type 2 diabetes admitted with pneumonia might not necessarily need insulin therapy to prevent ketoacidosis.
Choice B rationale: Type 2 diabetes doesn't typically involve islet cell antibodies destroying the pancreas's ability to produce insulin.
Choice C rationale: In this scenario, the patient might have enough endogenous insulin to prevent ketosis but could be at risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome due to illness-induced stress.
Choice D rationale: Type 2 diabetes often involves some degree of endogenous insulin secretion, and not all patients require daily insulin injections.
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