North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Kernig's sign tests for inflammation of which anatomical structure?

1. Brain

2. Spinal cord

3. Joints

4. Meninges

The correct answer is: Meninges

Kernig's sign is a clinical test used primarily to identify meningeal irritation and inflammation. When assessing for this sign, a healthcare provider will typically elicit a response that indicates pain or resistance when attempting to extend the leg at the knee while the hip is flexed. This resistance is suggestive of increased pressure or irritation in the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The presence of Kernig's sign is often associated with conditions such as meningitis, where the inflammation of the meninges can lead to characteristic signs and symptoms. It is important to recognize that while Kernig's sign is related to the nervous system, its specific diagnostic focus is on meningeal irritation rather than conditions affecting the brain directly or issues related to the spinal cord itself. Therefore, the correct association of Kernig's sign reflects its role in revealing inflammation of the meninges, thereby affirming the choice related to that anatomical structure.