Final answer:
Class IV is the physical status modifier that best describes a patient who has a severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical status modifier that best describes a patient who has a severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life is Class IV.
Class IV is used in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System to categorize patients who have severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life.
Examples of Class IV conditions include severe congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).