Final answer:
The involuntary flexion of the knees when the head is flexed toward the chest is called the Brudzinski sign. It is a positive sign for meningeal irritation and is commonly seen in patients with meningitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient with suspected meningitis involuntarily flexes her knees when her head is flexed toward her chest, it is called the Brudzinski sign. The Brudzinski sign is a clinical finding in which passive flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the knees and hips. It is considered a positive sign for meningeal irritation and is commonly seen in patients with meningitis.