Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) 6th Edition Provider Practice Exam

Fever, irritability, neck stiffness, and a positive Brudzinski sign are key indicators of possible meningitis in a child. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and these symptoms are classic signs associated with this condition.

Fever is often present as the body responds to infection, irritability may arise due to discomfort and pain, and neck stiffness indicates meningeal irritation, making it difficult for the child to bend their neck forward. The positive Brudzinski sign is a specific neurological assessment where involuntary lifting of the legs occurs when the neck is flexed, further suggesting meningeal irritation.

These findings are critical for prompting further evaluation and potential treatment of meningitis, as early recognition can significantly impact outcomes. Other options do not present the hallmark signs commonly associated with meningitis, leading to a more ambiguous diagnosis in those cases.