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Multiple Choice

Which combination of findings is commonly associated with meningitis?

Meningitis causes irritation of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord, so the body shows signs of meningeal irritation. Two classic bedside tests for this irritation are Kernig and Brudzinski signs. Kernig sign is observed when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees and you try to straighten the knee; pain or resistance during straightening indicates meningeal irritation. Brudzinski sign occurs when a simple neck flexion triggers automatic flexion of the hips and knees. When these signs appear together with fever, it strongly points to an infectious meningitis, since fever reflects the body's response to infection and the meningeal signs show irritation of the coverings. The other options don’t fit as well: a rash alone isn’t specific to meningitis and can occur in many conditions; cough and wheeze point to the respiratory system; low blood sugar isn’t related to meningitis.

Meningitis causes irritation of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord, so the body shows signs of meningeal irritation. Two classic bedside tests for this irritation are Kernig and Brudzinski signs. Kernig sign is observed when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees and you try to straighten the knee; pain or resistance during straightening indicates meningeal irritation. Brudzinski sign occurs when a simple neck flexion triggers automatic flexion of the hips and knees. When these signs appear together with fever, it strongly points to an infectious meningitis, since fever reflects the body's response to infection and the meningeal signs show irritation of the coverings. The other options don’t fit as well: a rash alone isn’t specific to meningitis and can occur in many conditions; cough and wheeze point to the respiratory system; low blood sugar isn’t related to meningitis.