A patient who is severely brain damaged has decerebrate posturing with extended extremities. The nurse understands that damage most likely occurred in which area of the brain?

a. Cerebellum
b. Cerebrum
c. Brain stem
d. Hypothalamus


ANS: C
Abnormal extension posturing, or decerebrate posturing, indicates damage in the area of the brain stem. Decorticate posturing indicates significant impairment of cerebral functioning.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is receiving cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) for treatment of his disease. When administering an immunosuppressant, the nurse must be alert to which of the following side effects of this medication?

A) Infection B) Nystagmus C) Muscle rigidity D) Hyperthermia

Nursing

The nurse is giving an educational event to a local men's group about prostate cancer. What nationality should you be sure to tell the attendees of this event should receive information regarding the predisposition of prostate cancer?

A) Native Americans B) Caucasians C) African Americans D) Asian Americans

Nursing

Identify the term defined as systems of valued behaviors and beliefs

a. Morals b. Values c. Laws d. Ethics

Nursing

A patient scheduled for surgery asks if any changes should be made to the diet before the operation occurs. What nutrients should the nurse suggest the patient ingest prior to the operative procedure? (Select all that apply.)

a. Zinc b. Protein c. Vitamin C d. Vitamin E e. Magnesium

Nursing