Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What mental health condition is indicated by increased agitation and hallucinations in a hospitalized client?

1. Bipolar disorder

2. Schizophrenia

3. Major depression

4. Anxiety disorder

The correct answer is: Schizophrenia

The presence of increased agitation and hallucinations in a hospitalized client is indicative of schizophrenia. This mental health condition is characterized by a range of symptoms that can include distorted thinking, perceptions, and emotions. Hallucinations, especially auditory types, are a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. These experiences, often causing significant distress or confusion, occur alongside other symptoms like delusions and disorganized thought processes. While bipolar disorder can feature episodes of mania that include agitation and, in some cases, psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, these symptoms usually occur during manic or depressive episodes, rather than being a persistent part of the disorder. Major depression is primarily defined by low mood and lack of interest, with hallucinations being less common unless present in a severe form, such as in psychotic depression. Anxiety disorders primarily manifest with excessive worry or fear, not typically with hallucinations. Thus, the combination of agitation and hallucinations strongly aligns with the diagnostic profile of schizophrenia.