Which test involves flexing the hips and legs and then straightening them against resistance to examine for meningitis?

The test that involves flexing the hips and legs and then straightening them against resistance to examine for meningitis is Kernig's maneuver. This physical examination technique specifically assesses for meningeal irritation, which is often seen in conditions like meningitis. By flexing the hips and knees and subsequently attempting to straighten the legs, the clinician is checking for any resulting pain or resistance, which would indicate irritation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

In contrast, Brudzinski's maneuver also tests for meningeal irritation, but it involves a different action where the patient involuntarily flexes their hips and knees when the neck is flexed, indicating meningeal involvement. Murphy's sign is associated with cholecystitis and involves palpating the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, while Homan's sign is used to assess for deep vein thrombosis and involves dorsiflexion of the foot to elicit calf pain. Thus, Kernig's maneuver is the most specific for examining signs of meningitis through the described physical action.