Hyperactivity Level: Development of a Nursing Outcome Label

PURPOSE To develop a nursing outcome label for the concept of hyperactivity. METHODS Using concept analysis of an exhaustive review of the nursing and related literatures — including psychology, pediatrics, and general medicine—the NOC Psychological/Cognitive Focus Group constructed a conceptual definition for Hyperactivity Level and delineated the indicators. The group identified pertinent data from the literature and clustered the data into the predetermined categories of conceptual definition and indicators. FINDINGS Results included a conceptual definition for Hyperactivity Level label: the severity of patterns of inattention or impulsivity in children, and a list of 23 indicators that reflect all dimensions of the outcome Hyperactivity Level. ▪ Inattention ▪ Lack of active listening ▪ Difficulty organizing tasks ▪ Inability to stay “on task” ▪ Lack of follow‐through or completion of activities ▪ Difficulty with tasks that require sustained mental effort ▪ Careless mistakes ▪ Frequently loses things, excessive distractibility, excessive forgetfulness ▪ Impulsivity, excessive fidgeting, inability to remain seated ▪ Excessive running and/or climbing ▪ Excessive motor behavior ▪ Difficulty playing quietly ▪ Excessive talking ▪ Blurts out answers before the question is completed ▪ Difficulty awaiting turn ▪ Excessive interrupting of others; intrusive, abrasive, loud, interpersonal interactions ▪ Inappropriate aggressive behavior ▪ Difficulty in keeping hands to self CONCLUSIONS While most people do not outgrow ADHD, people can learn to control hyperactivity urges and live satisfying lives. Using combinations of medication, new behavior skills, and emotional support, people with ADHD can develop ways to control their attention and minimize their disruptive behaviors. With the skills of the nurse as well as support from parents, teachers, and other healthcare providers, children with ADHD are better prepared to manage their hyperactivity and channel it into more socially acceptable behaviors. By using selected nursing outcomes and interventions, the child can improve his self‐esteem through the development of self‐control.