The nurse is admitting a client with suspected meningitis. During the assessment, the nurse asks the client to flex the chin down toward the chest. The client verbalizes pain and stiffness during this action. How will the nurse document this finding in the medical record?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pain and stiffness with flexion of the chin to the chest is a classic sign of nuchal rigidity, which is indicative of meningitis. Muscle spasms and neck strain may cause pain with movement, but nuchal rigidity is specific to meningitis. Brudzinski's sign is a reflex test performed by passive flexion of the neck, which leads to involuntary flexion of the hips and knees in a positive test, but this finding is not mentioned in the scenario.

The Nurse Is Admitting a Client with Suspected Meningitis