Clinical Signs Flashcards
Babinski Reflex-
Dorsiflexion of the big toe after stimulation of the lateral sole; associated with
corticospinal tract lesions.
Brundzinski sign-
Flexion of the hip knee induced by flexion of the neck; associated with
meningeal irritation.
Chadwick’s sign-
Cyanosis of vaginal and cervical mucosa, associated with pregnancy
Chvostek’s sign-
facial muscle spasm induced by tapping on the facial nerve branches. If
positive check calcium levels, could indicate hypocalcemia.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration-
Rhythmic cycles of deep and shallow respiration often with apneic
periods; associated with central nervous system.
Cullen’s sign:
bluish discoloration around the umbilicus; seen in acute pancreatitis
Harlequin sign-
In the newborn infant, reddening of the lower half of the laterally recumbent
body and blanching of the upper half, due to a temporary vasomotor disturbance.
Hegar’s sign-
Softening of the fundus of the uterus, associated with the first semester pregnancy
Homan’s sign-
Pain behind the knee, induced by the dorsiflexion of the foot, associated with
peripheral vascular disease, especially venous thrombosis in the calf.
Kernig’s sign-
Inability to extend leg leg when sitting or lying with the thigh flexed on the
abdomen; associated with meningeal irritation.
Kussmaul’s respiration-
Paroxysmal air hunger, associated with acidosis, especially diabetic
ketoacidosis. It is characterized by a deep sighing respiratory pattern.
McBurney sign-
Tenderness at the McBurney’s point (located two-thirds of the distance from the
umbilicus to the anterior-superior iliac spine); with appendicitis
Rovsing’s sign-
Pain in the right lower quadrant when the left lower quadrant. This is a positive
sign of appendicitis.
