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

The choice of restlessness or psychosis as an example of a mental status change due to strangulation is correct because these symptoms can arise in response to significant stress exerted on the brain and body. Strangulation can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the brain does not receive enough oxygen, potentially resulting in altered mental states such as agitation or psychotic episodes.

When the brain is deprived of oxygen, various neurochemical changes occur, which can lead to these types of mental disturbances. Particularly, individuals may experience heightened levels of anxiety and disorientation, displayed through restlessness or agitation, or they may delude themselves into beliefs that are not based on reality, indicating psychosis.

Other options may represent different mental or physical symptoms that can occur in various contexts but do not specifically align with the typical effects seen in cases of strangulation. For instance, increased alertness is generally contrary to what happens with reduced oxygen flow to the brain. Confusion can occur, but it is not as definitive or acute as the more severe reactions like psychosis or restlessness stemming from the effects of strangulation. Extreme fatigue might also occur following trauma but again isn’t a direct indicator of the acute mental changes typically observed immediately after strangling incidents.