What indicates a positive Kernig's sign when assessing a client for meningitis?

A positive Kernig's sign is specifically assessed by flexing a patient's hip and knee, and then attempting to extend the leg at the knee. When there is resistance or pain upon this extension, it suggests irritation of the meninges, which is indicative of conditions like meningitis.

In this case, the ability or inability of the client to extend their leg completely without pain after hip flexion is a direct measure of this neurological sign. The pain during extension signals that there may be underlying irritation of the meninges due to an infection or inflammation, such as in meningitis.

The other symptoms, like fever, severe headache, malaise, and fatigue, are common in meningitis but do not specifically point to a positive Kernig's sign. These symptoms support the clinical picture of meningitis but do not reflect the neurological assessment procedure used to elicit Kernig's sign. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the movement and the associated pain, which directly relates to the examination of Kernig's sign.