Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is characteristic of decerebrate posturing?

1. Flexed upper extremities at the elbows

2. Extended neck and stretched arms and legs

3. Crouched position with legs bent

4. Sitting position with hands on thighs

The correct answer is: Extended neck and stretched arms and legs

Decerebrate posturing is characterized by an extended neck, along with stretched arms and legs. This type of posturing is indicative of severe brain injury, particularly involving disruptions in the pathways that connect the brain to the spinal cord, often seen in conditions like brainstem lesions. During decerebrate posturing, the individual's arms are rigidly extended and positioned at their sides with the wrists flexed, while the legs remain extended and feet may also exhibit plantar flexion. This reflects a disruption in normal motor function and can be a critical sign of central nervous system compromise.