Question

A 79-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer dies peacefully on the ward after a short admission. She was admitted with confusion and no clear cause identified. You have been looking after her for only 24 hours. What is the most appropriate action regarding certification of death?

Accepted Answer

Refer the case to the coroner because the cause of death is uncertain and she has been in hospital less than 24 hours

Answer

Complete the medical certificate of cause of death as metastatic breast cancer without further discussion

Answer

Decline to certify the death because you were not the patient’s GP

Answer

Ask the family which cause of death they would prefer you to write

Answer

Record “”cardiac arrest”” as the sole cause of death

Practice question

A 79-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer dies peacefully on the ward after a short admission. She was admitted with confusion and no clear cause identified. You have been looking after her for only 24 hours. What is the most appropriate action regarding certification of death?