Post Mortem Changes Flashcards

1
Q

What is death defined as?

A

Irreversible failure of the cardiovascular system

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2
Q

Why does cellular death occur after death?

A

Failure of oxygen delivery to the tissues

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3
Q

Why does the body cool after death?

A

NO energy production

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4
Q

Describe what happens to blood after death

A

Blood becomes stagnant and settles under the effects of gravity

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5
Q

Why does putrefaction occur after death?

A

Usual body defences fail

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6
Q

During the first 12 hours after death, what is the most valuable measurement to determine time of death?

A

Measurement of body temperature

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7
Q

What is the general rule of thumb in determining time of death from body temperature?

A

1 degree celsius per hour

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8
Q

Can the rate at which the stomach empties be used as a means of measuring the time of death - or the time since the last meal?Why?

A

No,Too many factors which influence the rate at which the stomach emptiesThe condition of the material remaining might be able to give an indication of what the patient last ate

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9
Q

Define rigor mortis

A

The stiffening and shortening of muscles after death - rigidity of musculature and fixation of joints

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10
Q

When does rigor mortis become apparent?

A

Becomes apparent 5-7 hours after deathFully established 8-12 hours after death

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11
Q

When does the body return to flaccid state?

A

36 hours after deathDissipates in line with decomposition

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12
Q

What affects the development of rigor?

A

Ambient temperature

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13
Q

What happens to abdominal skin 2-3 days after death?

A

Greenish discolouration

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14
Q

What is mummification?

A

Dry decomposition - desiccation of the body with little bacterial involvement

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15
Q

What is post mortem hypostasis?

A

Pooling of stagnant blood in dependant regions of the body under the influence of gravity.

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16
Q

Where are areas of pallor found in post mortem hypostasis?

A

In a body surface that has had pressure applied preventing the ingress of blood

17
Q

What is post mortem useful for establishing?

A

Position of the body after death, and can indicate if the body has been moved after death

18
Q

What does a cherry red colour of post mortem hypostasis indicate?

A

indicator of carbon monoxide poisoning