What is an appropriate safety intervention for someone with decorticate posturing?

• A. Roll a washcloth between the hands to prevent fingernails from embedding in the palms
• B. Apply heat to the chest
• C. Restrain movement with restraints
• D. Elevate both legs above heart level

Answer: (A)

Preventing self-injury is the key safety concern with decorticate posturing. In this posture, the arms are flexed and the hands may clench, increasing the risk that nails scratch or embed into the palms. Placing a soft barrier between the hands—like rolling a washcloth and positioning it to separate the palms—protects the skin without restricting movement or causing harm. Other options don’t address this injury risk: heat on the chest doesn’t prevent self-injury and could cause burns; restraints are not the preferred approach due to potential harm and rights concerns; elevating the legs won’t reduce the injury risk and may affect circulation.