The nurse is reviewing the record of a child with increased intracranial pressure and notes that the child has exhibited signs of decerebrate posturing
On assessment of the child, the nurse would expect to note which of the following if this type of posturing were present? 1. Rigid extension and tremors of all extremities
2. Flaccid paralysis of all extremities
3. Flexion of the upper extremities and extension of the lower extremities
4. Abnormal extension of the upper and lower extremities with some internal rota-tion
4
Rationale: Decerebrate (extension) posturing is an abnormal extension of the upper extremities, with internal rotation of the upper arm and wrist and extension of the lower extremities with some internal rotation. "Flexion of the upper extremities and extension of the lower extremities" describes decorticate posturing. "Rigid extension and tremors of all extremities" and "flaccid paralysis of all extremities" are incorrect and not characteristics of decerebrate posturing.
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