After a traumatic brain injury, a patient is found to be positioned with arms extended and hands clenched. Which is the term used to describe this assessment finding?

Question

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The description of arms extended and hands clenched is indicative of decerebrate (extensor) posturing, which is a sign of severe brain damage, particularly affecting the brainstem. This posture is characterized by stiff extension of the arms and legs, downward pointing of the toes, and backward arching of the head. It often indicates damage to the upper brain stem.

After a Traumatic Brain Injury, a Patient Is Found to Be