Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following is a common behavioral change in patients with delirium?

1. Consistent mood stabilization

2. Enhanced focus and attention

3. Rapid mood fluctuations

4. Increased logical reasoning

The correct answer is: Rapid mood fluctuations

Rapid mood fluctuations are a common behavioral change observed in patients with delirium. Delirium is characterized by an acute change in mental status, which can lead to confusion, alterations in consciousness, and disturbances in attention and perception. One prominent feature of this condition is the instability of mood, where patients may shift quickly between periods of agitation, anxiety, and even emotional lability. This unpredictability in mood can be distressing both for patients and those around them, often necessitating careful monitoring and intervention from healthcare providers. In contrast, consistent mood stabilization is not typical of delirium, as patients are unlikely to exhibit stable emotional responses. Enhanced focus and attention contradict the symptoms of delirium, as affected individuals often struggle with maintaining concentration and are easily distracted. Increased logical reasoning would also be inconsistent with delirium, since cognitive deficits, including impaired judgment and reasoning, are hallmark traits of this condition. Understanding these patterns can help healthcare providers recognize and manage the complexities of delirium effectively.