A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes when passively flexing the client’s neck there is an involuntary flexion of both legs. Which of the following conditions is the client displaying?

Choice A reason: Nuchal rigidity is neck stiffness resisting passive flexion, common in meningitis, but it does not involve leg flexion. The described involuntary leg movement is specific to Brudzinski’s sign, making this choice incorrect for the observed symptom. Choice B reason: Kernig’s sign involves pain or resistance when extending the knee with the hip flexed, not involuntary leg flexion during neck movement. The client’s presentation aligns with Brudzinski’s, not Kernig’s, making this choice incorrect. Choice C reason: Bradykinesia, slow movement, is associated with Parkinson’s disease, not meningitis. It does not involve involuntary leg flexion with neck movement, making this choice irrelevant to the client’s meningeal symptom presentation. Choice D reason: Brudzinski’s sign is positive when neck flexion causes involuntary hip and knee flexion in meningitis, due to meningeal irritation. The client’s leg flexion during neck movement matches this, making it the correct condition displayed.