What characterizes a “sudden unexplained death”?

A "sudden unexplained death" is characterized as a death that occurs unexpectedly, with no clear cause identified during the initial examination. This definition emphasizes the unpredictability of the event and highlights the lack of a definitive explanation at the time, which can often necessitate further investigation to determine the underlying factors contributing to the death. This type of situation may arise in various contexts, such as individuals who appear to be healthy before an unforeseen death occurs, prompting further autopsy and forensic analysis to ascertain the cause.

The other options describe distinct types of death scenarios that do not align with the concept of sudden unexplained death. For instance, a death following a diagnosed illness suggests that the cause can be attributed to that illness, making it not unexplained. A death resulting from a self-inflicted injury indicates intentionality and a clear cause, rather than the uncertainty encompassed in a sudden unexplained death. Lastly, a death recorded due to natural causes implies it falls within a predictable range of medical understanding, also contradicting the “unexplained” aspect. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the definition of sudden unexplained death as it pertains to the unpredictable nature and the default absence of an identified cause at first glance.