First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

Which of the following best describes excited delirium?

1. A long-term psychiatric disorder with multiple symptoms

2. A transient state involving severe agitation, confusion, and hallucinations

3. A consistent pattern of extreme emotional highs and lows

4. A condition caused by substance withdrawal

The correct answer is: A transient state involving severe agitation, confusion, and hallucinations

Excited delirium is best described as a transient state that is characterized by severe agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. This condition often arises suddenly and can escalate quickly, leading to potentially dangerous behavior or a medical emergency. Individuals experiencing excited delirium may display a range of symptoms, including intense psychological distress, extreme hyperactivity, and altered consciousness, which aligns with the definition in the correct choice. The nature of excited delirium distinguishes it from long-term psychiatric disorders, where symptoms are more sustained and chronic in nature. While emotional highs and lows are associated with bipolar disorders or other mood disorders, excited delirium does not fit within those patterns. Furthermore, while substance withdrawal can contribute to severe agitation and confusion, excited delirium itself is not exclusively caused by withdrawal; it often involves other factors, such as substance intoxication or a sudden physiological crisis.