What does nuchal rigidity indicate during a physical examination?

During a physical examination, nuchal rigidity specifically indicates stiffness or an inability to bend the neck. This symptom is most commonly associated with conditions that impact the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often suggesting the presence of meningitis or other central nervous system irritations. The presence of nuchal rigidity can be evaluated by assessing the patient's ability to flex their neck in a range of movements.

When a patient exhibits this symptom, it is important for healthcare providers to further investigate the underlying causes, as it could signal an infectious process or other serious conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord. Understanding this sign is crucial for providing timely and appropriate medical care.

Other options refer to different medical conditions that do not relate specifically to nuchal rigidity. For instance, infection in the lungs primarily presents with respiratory symptoms, poor blood flow to the brain usually manifests as neurological deficits without specific neck stiffness, and spinal cord injuries might display a spectrum of symptoms, but nuchal rigidity is not a typical presentation.