Long-standing Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease in Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics — 76yo Man | Epidemiology & Biostatistics | SMLE Q#18061
SMLE Question #18061
Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics
Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Objective: OBJ-367
Last updated: February 2026
A 76-year-old man with long-standing coronary atherosclerotic disease undergoes elective coronary artery bypass surgery. On postoperative day 4 he develops fever and purulent sternal wound drainage with shock. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and ICU care, he develops acute kidney injury and respiratory failure and dies from multiorgan failure. When completing the death certificate, what should be recorded as the underlying cause of death?
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