The nurse notes that a patient with a severe closed head injury has all four extremities in rigid extension and forearm hyperpronation and legs with plantar extension.This finding is documented as __________ posturing.
A) decorticate
B) decerebrate
C) spastic
D) cerebellar

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described posturing is characteristic of decerebrate posturing, which is a more severe form of posturing than decorticate posturing. Decerebrate posturing indicates damage to the brainstem, while decorticate posturing indicates damage to the cerebral hemispheres. Spastic posturing and cerebellar posturing have different characteristics and are not indicated by the described findings.

The Nurse Notes That a Patient with a Severe Closed