Cause of death Flashcards
1
Q
what happens when someone dies>
A
- physically confirm death
- issue a death certificate
- if not able to certify, refer to the procurator fiscal (coroner)
2
Q
issuing a death certificate
A
- can only be done by a GMC registered medical doctor
- legal obligation (Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965)
- no fee payable
3
Q
After death certified..>
A
- relatives have to take death certificate to registrar’s office
- certificate of disposal given
- if cremation - cremation certificate needed
4
Q
Legal systems
A
- Procurator Fiscal (SCO)
- HM Coroner elsewhere
5
Q
Procurator Fiscal
A
- prosecution of crimes
- investigation of deaths
- not involved with the most serious of crimes
6
Q
Coroner
A
- limited to investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths
- no role in investigating/prosecuting crime
7
Q
coroner
A
additional role in investigating deaths where person not seen by doctor in past 14 days
- holds inquests (Scotland holds FAI’s)
- has to pass onto CPS if criminal case
8
Q
coroner’s inquest
A
- conducted entirely by the coroner
- sits with jury (deaths at work or in custody)
- 1 of 9 verdicts will be determined
9
Q
Verdict
A
natural causes, suicide, accident/misadventure, industrial disease, dependence on drugs, lack of care, lawful killing, unlawful killing, open
10
Q
Causes of death in Scotland
A
- natural causes
- alcohol abuse
- suicide
- accident
- drug abuse
- homicide
- other
11
Q
Natural disease
A
Cardiovascular disease
- heart disease
- coronary artery disease
12
Q
Coronary artery disease
A
- common cause of death
- causes chronic electrical instability
- amenable to bypass surgery
13
Q
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE)
A
- involves the veins
- related to deep vein thrombosis (lower limb)
- embolism passes to the lungs - can’t breath
- blocks blood vessels
14
Q
Cerebral haemorrhage
A
2 types:
- Intra-cerebral
- Subarachnoid
15
Q
Stroke
A
-cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
2 causes:
1. cerebral haemorrhage
2. cerebral infarct
