Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What does decerebrate posturing signify during an assessment?

1. Flexion of arms and extension of legs

2. Extension away from body with pronation

3. Withdrawal from painful stimuli

4. Compliance with verbal requests

The correct answer is: Extension away from body with pronation

Decerebrate posturing is characterized by extension of the arms and legs, with the arms typically extended away from the body and the wrists pronated. This type of posturing indicates severe brain injury, particularly involving the brainstem or indicating damage to pathways that affect motor control. The presence of decerebrate posturing can be a critical sign of neurological decline and often suggests a poor prognosis. When assessing a patient, recognizing decerebrate posturing is crucial as it reflects a level of brain dysfunction that requires immediate medical intervention. This posturing often contrasts with other types of motor responses, such as flexion or withdrawal responses, which signify different neurological conditions or levels of consciousness.