An irresistible urge to move about along with inner restlessness, is called

RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Mental Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

Akathisia is a syndrome of motor restlessness that includes both subjective and objective components.
The subjective experience involves feelings of muscle tension, an inability to find a comfortable position, and feeling as though one is 'jumping out of their skin'.
The objective signs classically manifest as rocking from foot to foot, pacing, and frequently crossing and uncrossing the legs when seated.
It is a common and distressing side effect of antipsychotic and some antidepressant medications.

Option B: Akinesia refers to a global reduction or poverty of movement (hypokinesia), which is the opposite of the 'irresistible urge to move' described in the question.
Option C: Hyperkinesia is a general term for increased muscular activity. While it involves excessive movement, it does not specifically capture the unique subjective component of 'inner restlessness' that is central to the definition of akathisia.
Option D: Dyskinesia describes abnormal, involuntary, and often repetitive movements such as lip-smacking, tongue thrusting, or writhing motions. These are distinct from the purposeful-appearing, yet compulsive, movements of akathisia.

Visual 1: Chart - A comparative chart outlining the key features of Akathisia, Akinesia, Dyskinesia, and Dystonia, including the type of movement and subjective experience.
Visual 2: Illustration - A simple drawing depicting a person pacing and unable to sit still, illustrating the objective signs of Akathisia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Drug-Induced Movement Disorders (Extrapyramidal Symptoms) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Akathisia is a significant extrapyramidal side effect (EPS) of antipsychotic medications. Nurses must be able to recognize it early as it is extremely distressing for patients and can be a major reason for medication non-adherence.
Assessment involves both objective observation (pacing, fidgeting) and subjective questioning about feelings of inner restlessness. Standardized tools like the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) can be used for monitoring.
Management may involve reducing the dose of the offending medication, switching to a different antipsychotic with a lower risk of EPS, or administering medications like beta-blockers (propranolol), benzodiazepines, or anticholinergics.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem to identify the core symptoms: 1) an 'irresistible urge to move' (motor component) and 2) 'inner restlessness' (subjective/sensory component).
Next, evaluate each option against these two core symptoms.
Recall the definitions of the movement disorders listed. Akinesia means 'no movement,' which is the opposite.
Differentiate between the remaining terms. Dyskinesia involves specific, involuntary movements (e.g., tics, smacking), not a generalized urge to move. Hyperkinesia is too general.
Conclude that Akathisia is the only term that specifically combines the subjective feeling of inner restlessness with the compulsive motor restlessness described.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QhgutvouYvWW2Oa0TRhkAG