Using a systematic approach to assess an acutely unwell patient with catatonia: a case study

Nursing Standard
Martha Dixon

Abstract

Patients in acute settings may present with a variety of signs and symptoms; however, the principles of assessment are applicable to all acutely unwell patients. This article details a case study of a patient who presented to the author's medical ward in a catatonic state, and was assessed using the ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) approach. Catatonia is a disturbed mental state in which a patient exhibits abnormal behaviour, such as the inability to speak and non-responsiveness to stimuli, alongside immobility. Although catatonia is a rare condition, it is important that nurses can identify its signs and symptoms, because it can be fatal if not treated appropriately and rapidly. Thus, it is crucial for nurses to be able to systematically assess acutely unwell patients, including those with catatonia, using the ABCDE approach.

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Catatonic Schizophrenia

Catatonia is a psychomotor symptom in which patients present with stupor, although catatonic excitement may also present at the other end of the spectrum. Catatonia has been historically associated with schizophrenia although it is also associated with other neuropsychiatric disorders. Find the latest research on catatonic schizophrenia here.

Catatonia

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome with motor and behavioral symptoms, and can occur in both patients with or without psychiatric illness. Discover the latest research on Catatonia here.

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