PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding nuchal rigidity?

1. It is a sign of decreased intracranial pressure

2. It is associated with neck stiffness when bending forward

3. It indicates the presence of an intracranial aneurysm

4. It is generally a transient condition

The correct answer is: It is associated with neck stiffness when bending forward

Nuchal rigidity refers to increased resistance to passive neck flexion, often associated with meningeal irritation. The presence of neck stiffness, particularly when bending the neck forward, is a classic indicator of this condition. This stiffness commonly occurs in cases of meningitis or other irritative processes affecting the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. Understanding nuchal rigidity in context can help distinguish it from other conditions. Increased intracranial pressure typically presents with different symptoms rather than nuchal rigidity directly. While intracranial aneurysms may cause a range of symptoms, nuchal rigidity is not specifically indicative of their presence. Furthermore, nuchal rigidity is typically not considered transient; rather, it tends to persist until the underlying cause—like an infection or hemorrhage—is effectively treated. Thus, the description of nuchal rigidity being associated with neck stiffness when bending forward is accurate and reflects a key feature of this clinical sign.