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
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: HPV is a sexually transmitted infection but must not necessarily be reported to the public health department.
Choice B rationale: Genital herpes should not be reported to the public health department.
Choice C rationale: Gonorrhea is a reportable disease, meaning that health care providers must notify the public health department of any confirmed cases. This helps to prevent the spread of the infection and provide treatment and counseling to the affected individuals and their partners.
Choice D rationale: Infectious mononucleosis should not be reported to the public health department.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Pulmonary embolism would cause chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis, but not petechiae or neurological changes.
Choice B rationale: While chest pain might be associated with myocardial infarction, the combination of symptoms aligns more with a pulmonary embolism.
Choice C rationale: Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, brain, or other organs. This can
cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, petechiae (reddish-purple spots on the skin), and cardiac dysfunction.
Choice D rationale: Compartment syndrome doesn't typically manifest with respiratory symptoms or reddish-purple spots.
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