Which physical exam finding is indicative of meningitis?

The indication of meningitis in a physical exam context primarily focuses on the signs and symptoms that suggest inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Among these, the presence of fever and nuchal rigidity is highly significant.

Fever is commonly noted in meningitis as the body's immune response to infection leads to an increase in body temperature. Nuchal rigidity refers to the stiffness of the neck, which occurs due to irritation of the meninges as a response to inflammation. Patients often experience discomfort or inability to flex their neck forward. These clinical signs, when observed together, strongly suggest the possibility of meningitis, prompting further evaluation and management.

Other physical exam findings in different conditions may reflect various health issues, but they do not specifically correlate with meningitis. For example, decreased bowel sounds might suggest gastrointestinal disturbances, jaundice often indicates liver dysfunction, and dark brown urine could be associated with hematuria or liver disease, none of which point directly to meningitis.