All are features of catatonia except?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Explanation

Cataplexy is a sudden, brief loss of voluntary muscle tone that is triggered by strong emotions, such as laughter or surprise.
It is considered a pathognomonic (specifically characteristic) symptom of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
Unlike the features of catatonia, cataplexy is not a psychomotor disturbance related to psychosis or other underlying medical conditions that cause catatonia.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: Catalepsy is a classic motor sign of catatonia.
Option C: Negativism is a well-documented behavioral feature of catatonia.
Option D: Automatic obedience is a behavioral sign seen in catatonia.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Diagnostic features of Catatonia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Distinguishing between cataplexy and catalepsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis; one points to a sleep disorder (narcolepsy), while the other indicates a serious psychomotor syndrome (catatonia) requiring different management.
Nurses caring for patients with catatonia must prioritize managing the severe risks of immobility, such as pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), contractures, and malnutrition, due to prolonged posturing and withdrawal.
For a patient experiencing cataplexy, the primary nursing concern is safety. This includes educating the patient on avoiding emotional triggers and implementing fall precautions to prevent injury during an episode.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question by spotting the keyword 'except'. This tells you to find the option that does not fit with the others.
The core concept is 'features of catatonia'. Your task is to recall the signs and symptoms of this syndrome.
Analyze each option. Pay close attention to the similar-sounding terms 'Cataplexy' and 'Catalepsy', as this is a common technique to test precise knowledge.
Differentiate the definitions: Catalepsy involves maintaining postures (waxy flexibility), while Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone from emotion.
Recall that catalepsy, negativism (resistance), and automatic obedience are all classic signs of catatonia.
Conclude that Cataplexy is the outlier because it is a primary symptom of narcolepsy, not catatonia. Therefore, it is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Diagnostic features of Catatonia
Stem keywords: features, catatonia
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a feature of catatonia.

Question ID

QWlpKzSA3ZrFXluD1F7WpU

Reference Book

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 336-338

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 4738-4740, 5299-5301

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