RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1258 of 2368

The provider tests for Kernig's sign in a client with suspected meningitis. Which finding is a positive result?

  1. Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed
  2. Pain when the head is rotated side to side
  3. Pain or resistance when the knee is extended with the hip flexed to 90 degrees
  4. Absence of the gag reflex
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Correct answer: Pain or resistance when the knee is extended with the hip flexed to 90 degrees

A positive Kernig's sign is pain or resistance to knee extension. Involuntary hip and knee flexion with neck flexion is a positive Brudzinski's sign.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Other Childhood Disorders: Assessment (Recognize Cues). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026