Causes of death include which term meaning the factor that started the whole sequence?

Causes of death include which term meaning the factor that started the whole sequence?

• A. Immediate
• B. Intermediate
• C. Proximate
• D. Final

Answer: (C)

In a sequence of events that leads to death, there’s an initiating factor that starts the cascade. The term that names that starting trigger is proximate. It describes the event that sets the whole chain in motion, even though death may occur after a later, final event. The immediate cause is the last event that directly causes death (for example, septic shock or cardiac arrest), not the starting trigger. The other terms aren’t used to designate the initiating factor in this context. Example: a ruptured appendix can start a cascade that leads to septic shock and death. The ruptured appendix is the proximate cause (the initiating factor), while septic shock is the immediate cause of death.

In a sequence of events that leads to death, there’s an initiating factor that starts the cascade. The term that names that starting trigger is proximate. It describes the event that sets the whole chain in motion, even though death may occur after a later, final event.

The immediate cause is the last event that directly causes death (for example, septic shock or cardiac arrest), not the starting trigger. The other terms aren’t used to designate the initiating factor in this context.

Example: a ruptured appendix can start a cascade that leads to septic shock and death. The ruptured appendix is the proximate cause (the initiating factor), while septic shock is the immediate cause of death.