FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

Positive Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs are indicative of what condition?

1. Meningeal inflammation

2. Inner ear disease

3. Muscle strain

4. Peripheral nerve injury

The correct answer is: Meningeal inflammation

Positive Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs are indicative of meningeal inflammation, commonly associated with conditions such as meningitis. Brudzinski's sign is observed when a patient involuntarily flexes the knees and hips when the neck is flexed forward, suggesting irritation of the meninges. Kernig's sign, on the other hand, is demonstrated when a patient experiences pain or resistance when attempting to extend the knee while the hip is flexed, indicating meningeal irritation or inflammation. These signs are critical in a clinical examination as they prompt further investigation into the possibility of meningitis or other related conditions affecting the meninges. Understanding these signs helps healthcare providers initiate appropriate diagnostic procedures, such as a lumbar puncture, to assess cerebrospinal fluid and confirm the diagnosis. The other options do not relate to these specific neurological signs: inner ear disease typically involves balance and hearing issues, muscle strain pertains to musculoskeletal injuries, and peripheral nerve injuries have different signs and symptoms.