What does a positive Kernig's sign indicate?

What does a positive Kernig's sign indicate?

• A. Ability to fully extend the leg
• B. Loss of ability to straighten the leg
• C. Pain in the shoulder
• D. Flexion of the hip

Answer: (B)

A positive Kernig's sign is an important clinical finding often associated with meningeal irritation or meningitis. It is characterized by the inability to fully extend the leg at the knee while the hip is flexed at a 90-degree angle. When a healthcare provider assesses for Kernig's sign, they will flex the hip and knee of the patient, and then attempt to extend the knee. If this maneuver elicits pain or discomfort in the lower back or resistance to straightening the leg, it indicates a positive sign. This response is related to issues such as meningitis, where inflammation of the meninges can irritate the nerves, leading to such symptoms. The inability to straighten the leg is a direct response to irritation in the central nervous system. In contrast, the other options either reflect normal physical activity (such as the ability to fully extend the leg) or do not pertain to the Kernig's sign, as it specifically relates to the assessment of meningeal irritation and not shoulder pain or hip flexion alone. Understanding this clinical test is crucial in the examination of patients who may present with meningitis or other neurological conditions.

A positive Kernig's sign is an important clinical finding often associated with meningeal irritation or meningitis. It is characterized by the inability to fully extend the leg at the knee while the hip is flexed at a 90-degree angle. When a healthcare provider assesses for Kernig's sign, they will flex the hip and knee of the patient, and then attempt to extend the knee. If this maneuver elicits pain or discomfort in the lower back or resistance to straightening the leg, it indicates a positive sign.

This response is related to issues such as meningitis, where inflammation of the meninges can irritate the nerves, leading to such symptoms. The inability to straighten the leg is a direct response to irritation in the central nervous system. In contrast, the other options either reflect normal physical activity (such as the ability to fully extend the leg) or do not pertain to the Kernig's sign, as it specifically relates to the assessment of meningeal irritation and not shoulder pain or hip flexion alone. Understanding this clinical test is crucial in the examination of patients who may present with meningitis or other neurological conditions.