Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How is suicide defined?

1. An accidental death caused by drug overdose

2. The voluntary and intentional act of killing oneself

3. A cry for help that goes wrong

4. A mental health crisis without intent to die

The correct answer is: The voluntary and intentional act of killing oneself

The definition of suicide centers around the concept of intentionality. It is defined as the voluntary and intentional act of killing oneself. This definition highlights that suicide is a deliberate action taken by an individual, where the intent is to end one's own life. Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing the seriousness of the issue and the psychological factors that may contribute to such actions. In the context of the other options, they do not encompass the true nature of suicide. For instance, an accidental death caused by drug overdose suggests a lack of intent, which contradicts the fundamental definition of suicide. Similarly, labeling suicide as a "cry for help" implies an intention to communicate distress rather than an intent to end one’s life, potentially trivializing the act itself. The notion of a mental health crisis without intent to die does not align with the understanding that suicide involves a conscious decision to terminate one's existence. Therefore, the correct choice clarifies the specifics of what constitutes suicide, emphasizing its intentional character.