In Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," younger patients are referred to as "Acutes," indicating that they are still deemed treatable by the medical staff. This label reflects a belief among doctors that these individuals have not yet reached a point of irreversibility in their mental illness. The designation highlights a certain level of hope and a notion that they can be restored to health.

The term "Acutes" suggests a division within the treatment setting, contrasting these younger patients with those who are more chronic in their conditions, often viewed as beyond help. It emphasizes the struggle for recovery and the varying degrees of mental health challenges faced by patients in the psychiatric ward. Themes of optimism, treatment possibilities, and the power dynamics in psychiatric care permeate the narrative, showcasing the complexities of mental illness and rehabilitation.