Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What type of delirium is characterized by marked excitability in a patient?

1. Hypoactive delirium

2. Mixed delirium

3. Hyperactive delirium

4. Subsyndromal delirium

The correct answer is: Hyperactive delirium

Hyperactive delirium is characterized by marked excitability in a patient. This type of delirium often presents with symptoms such as agitation, increased motor activity, and heightened emotional responses. Patients may experience hallucinations, restlessness, and rapid speech, resulting in an overall state of arousal that is significantly above their baseline level of functioning. In contrast, hypoactive delirium typically features reduced motor activity, lethargy, and a lack of engagement with the environment. Mixed delirium involves fluctuations between hyperactive and hypoactive states, meaning that episodes of excitement may be present, but they are not consistent. Subsyndromal delirium refers to a condition where a patient exhibits some symptoms of delirium but does not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis; thus, it does not typically include the marked excitability seen in hyperactive delirium.