Among adolescents, suicide is which-leading cause of death?

Among adolescents, suicide is which-leading cause of death?

• A. Third
• B. First
• C. Second
• D. Fourth

Answer: (A)

In adolescents, death most commonly results from unintentional injuries, and suicide ranks as the third leading cause. This placement highlights how mental health and access to safety resources are critical areas of concern in pediatric care. Understanding this helps nurses prioritize screening for depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts during visits, school-based assessments, and crisis situations. Recognizing warning signs—statements about wanting to die, drastic mood or behavior changes, withdrawal, giving away belongings, or seeking means to harm themselves—allows for immediate safety planning and referral to mental health services. Prevention hinges on open communication, supportive environments, involvement of families, restricting access to lethal means, and timely connection to appropriate care.

In adolescents, death most commonly results from unintentional injuries, and suicide ranks as the third leading cause. This placement highlights how mental health and access to safety resources are critical areas of concern in pediatric care. Understanding this helps nurses prioritize screening for depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts during visits, school-based assessments, and crisis situations. Recognizing warning signs—statements about wanting to die, drastic mood or behavior changes, withdrawal, giving away belongings, or seeking means to harm themselves—allows for immediate safety planning and referral to mental health services. Prevention hinges on open communication, supportive environments, involvement of families, restricting access to lethal means, and timely connection to appropriate care.