Which of the following is an example of a mental status change that may occur due to strangulation?

Restlessness or psychosis is a critical indication of mental status changes that may occur due to strangulation. Strangulation can lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can manifest in various psychological effects. When a person experiences strangulation, they might exhibit heightened anxiety, agitation, or even psychotic features due to the trauma and stress experienced during the event. These changes may present as a disconnection from reality, delusions, or extreme restlessness, reflecting a disturbance in their mental state resulting from the physical assault.

The other options present states that are generally not directly associated with the acute psychological effects of strangulation. Increased alertness does not align with the mental impairment often seen in these scenarios, while confusion is a more general term and can arise from various causes, including other medical issues. Extreme fatigue could also occur but is less specific to the acute psychological response compared to restlessness or psychosis, which more directly relates to the trauma experienced from strangulation.