While assessing an unconscious patient's neurological status, the nurse applies pain by pinching the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Which statement by the nurse indicates an understanding of the use of this technique?

Question

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Pinching the sternocleidomastoid muscle is a painful stimulus that can elicit abnormal motor responses in an unconscious patient. These responses can help assess the patient's neurological status, such as the presence of decerebrate or decorticate posturing.

While Assessing an Unconscious Patient's Neurological Status, the Nurse Applies