BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025
Mental Health Nursing
Easy

What is the behaviour characteristic of the 'hyperactivity' component of ADHD?

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

  • The hyperactivity component of ADHD is defined by excessive and inappropriate motor activity.
  • Fidgeting with hands or feet, squirming in a seat, and general restlessness are classic, observable signs of hyperactivity as listed in the DSM-5 criteria.
  • This behavior is often described as being 'driven by a motor' and is persistent across different settings, such as school and home.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: This is not a diagnostic criterion for ADHD. Children with ADHD can be very social, although their symptoms might sometimes lead to social challenges.
  • Option C: This is a symptom of the 'inattention' component of ADHD, not hyperactivity. It falls under the criterion of being 'forgetful in daily activities'.
  • Option D: This is a classic symptom of the 'inattention' component of ADHD, reflecting difficulty in sustaining focus.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain ADHD Symptomology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Nurses must be able to differentiate between the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity to provide appropriate patient education and suggest tailored behavioral strategies.
  • For a child with prominent hyperactivity, nursing interventions would focus on creating opportunities for structured physical activity and allowing for movement breaks during tasks.
  • In the Indian context, cultural understanding of normative childhood behavior is important. Nurses can help families distinguish between normal high energy levels and clinically significant hyperactivity that impairs functioning.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key term in the question: 'hyperactivity'. This directs you to a specific component of ADHD.
  • Next, analyze the options to see which one describes a behavior related to excessive physical movement.
  • Option A (solitary activities) relates to social preference, not activity level.
  • Option B (fidgeting, squirming) directly describes physical restlessness, which is the core of hyperactivity.
  • Options C (memory recall) and D (daydreaming) are cognitive issues related to focus and attention, not physical movement. Therefore, they belong to the 'inattention' component.
  • By matching the definition of hyperactivity with the given options, you can confidently select the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: ADHD Symptomology
  • Stem keywords: ADHD, hyperactivity, behaviour characteristic
  • Lead-in keywords: What is
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Qm6CiBjED6otak0QStJ3xv

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 12146-12148

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 428-430

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

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