A patient comes into the emergency department with a fever, stiff neck, and change in mental status. On assessment it is learned that this patient also has a positive Kernig's sign. These findings suggest the patient:
1. Needs surgery to reduce intracranial pressure
2. Needs to be intubated
3. Should receive 100% oxygen via face mask
4. Has meningeal irritation
4
Rationale 1: Surgery is not a treatment for a positive Kernig's sign.
Rationale 2: Intubation is not a treatment for a positive Kernig's sign.
Rationale 3: Oxygen is not a treatment for a positive Kernig's sign.
Rationale 4: Signs of meningeal irritation include the Kernig's sign, which is assessed with the patient in a supine position. The hip is flexed at 90 degrees while the knee is flexed at 90 degrees. Extending the knee produces pain in the hamstrings and resistance to further extension. This sign is an indication of meningitis.
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Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).