What type of clause or phrase is italicized in the sentence below?

The driver, (confused) by the sign, made a wrong turn.

past participle phrase

noun clause

adverb clause

nominative absolute

elliptical clause

The answer is "Past Participle Phrase."

A clause carries its own predicate and subject. However, in the asked question, within-comma-part of the sentence is a Phrase.

Moreover, in past participle, the third form of the Non-finite verb (confused), which acts as an adjective, speaks for itself. In here, the verb expresses action of the same subject.

Past Participle Phrase.