Question

While reviewing a patient's chart from the previous shift, the nurse reads the phrase, "The patient continues to demonstrate decorticate posturing." From this entry, what does the nurse expect the patient to exhibit?

(A) Flexed arms with clenched fists and extended legs
(B) Rigid arms and legs with the head arched backward
(C) Increased muscle tone and decreased responsiveness
(D) All of the above

Answer 1

Decorticate posturing is characterized by flexed arms with clenched fists and extended legs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would expect the patient to exhibit (A) Flexed arms with clenched fists and extended legs if they demonstrate decorticate posturing. Decorticate posturing is a type of abnormal posturing that is characterized by inward flexing of the arms and clenched fists, along with extension of the legs. This posture indicates damage to the cerebral cortex, specifically the corticospinal tract.