Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which condition is often considered a predictor for future suicide attempts?

1. Life satisfaction

2. Parasuicide attempts

3. Chronic illness

4. Social media use

The correct answer is: Parasuicide attempts

Parasuicide attempts, which refer to non-fatal self-injurious behavior or suicide attempts, are significant predictors for future suicide attempts. This is largely due to the fact that individuals who have engaged in such behavior may have underlying mental health issues or feelings of distress that predispose them to further suicidal thoughts and actions. History of parasuicidal behavior indicates a level of hopelessness or emotional pain that can lead an individual to attempt suicide again, making it a crucial risk factor to monitor in clinical settings. Recognizing an individual’s past experiences with parasuicide can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and interventions to support them effectively and reduce the risk of future attempts. In contrast, life satisfaction relates more to an overall assessment of one's life and is not a direct predictor of suicide risk. Chronic illness can affect overall health and well-being but does not necessarily correlate with the propensity for suicide attempts in the same way. Social media use may influence mental health but lacks a direct established link as a predictor for suicide attempts compared to the clear association found with parasuicide.