Question

A 32-year-old man dies suddenly on the medical ward less than 12 hours after admission with undiagnosed chest pain. You are the junior doctor asked to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). The cause is uncertain and he was not seen by a doctor in the community in the last illness. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Discuss with the coroner’s office, as this death must be reported before completing any certificate

Answer

Complete the MCCD with your best guess of the cause of death

Answer

Ask the family to choose a cause of death

Answer

Issue an MCCD stating cause of death as cardiac arrest and inform the coroner later

Answer

Do nothing and leave certification until the funeral director asks

Practice question