Decerebrate posturing is present in an unconscious patient following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse expects to see which position in this patient?

accident. The nurse expects to see which position in this patient?
1. The arms and legs are hyperextended and arms are hyperpronated.
2. The arms are folded over the chest and spasms are rhythmic.
3. The arms are pulled inward and the head is turned to the side.
4. The arms and legs have tonic?clonic seizure activity.


Correct Answer: 1
Decerebrate posture is displayed by hyperextension of the arms and legs and hyperpronation of the arms. Decerebration is considered a sign that the patient has a serious injury with a poor prognosis. The other options do not accurately describe decerebrate posture. Tonic?clonic movements are associated with seizures.

Nursing

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