NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which physical sign is associated with meningitis?

1. Bradycardia

2. Brudzinski's sign

3. Paradoxical breathing

4. Wheezing

The correct answer is: Brudzinski's sign

Brudzinski's sign is a classic physical sign associated with meningitis. When a healthcare provider performs an examination and gently flexes the patient's neck, positive Brudzinski's sign is indicated if the patient involuntarily raises their legs in response. This sign suggests irritation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can occur in cases of meningitis. The presence of Brudzinski's sign is one of the key clinical indicators that healthcare providers look for when diagnosing meningitis, alongside other signs such as fever, headache, and stiffness of the neck. In contrast, bradycardia, paradoxical breathing, and wheezing are not typically indicative of meningitis. Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate and is not specifically linked to meningitis. Paradoxical breathing is a pattern of breathing that may occur in respiratory distress or chest wall injury rather than meningitis. Wheezing, which involves a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, is primarily related to obstructive airway conditions, not to central nervous system infections like meningitis. These distinctions highlight why Brudzinski's sign is the most relevant physical finding in the context of meningitis.