A client is experiencing decorticate posturing. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect to observe in this client?
Flexion and internal rotation of upper extremities
Flexion and external rotation of upper extremities
Extension and internal rotation of upper extremities
Extension and external rotation of upper extremities
The Correct Answer is A
A. This description accurately depicts decorticate posturing. The characteristic feature of decorticate posturing is the flexion of the upper extremities (arms) and the extension of the lower extremities (legs). The internal rotation of the legs is often observed in this posture. This pattern is seen in severe brain damage, particularly involving the corticospinal tract.
B. External rotation of the arms is not characteristic of decorticate posturing. In decorticate posturing, the arms are flexed and positioned close to the body, with internal rotation being more typical. Therefore, this option does not accurately describe decorticate posturing.
C. Extension of the arms is more characteristic of decerebrate posturing rather than decorticate posturing. Decerebrate posturing involves the extension of both the arms and legs. Internal rotation of the arms is not a typical feature of decerebrate posturing, so this choice does not describe decorticate posturing.
D. Extension and external rotation of the arms describe decerebrate posturing rather than decorticate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is characterized by the extension of the arms and legs, not flexion. Therefore, this option does not describe decorticate posturing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This is the action of medications like anticholinergics, not lidocaine.
B. Lidocaine does have local anesthetic properties, but it's not used in this context to relieve pain. It's used for its anti-arrhythmic properties.
C. Lidocaine is a class IB anti-arrhythmic medication. It suppresses abnormal heart rhythms, making it a crucial drug in treating cardiac arrest.
D. This is the action of thrombolytic medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), not lidocaine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client opens his eyes in response to voice, which scores 3 on the eye-opening part of the GCS.
Since the client does not understand questions, this would likely score 1 for verbal response, indicating incomprehensible sounds.
The motor response of bringing an arm up to a trapezius squeeze is localizing pain, which would score 5.
Therefore, the nurse would document the client's GCS score as E3V1M5, which totals to 9 out of a possible 15 points.
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