Flashcards in 6.9 Determination of Death Deck (8)
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Can some patients still have electrical activity present 10 minutes after your first death examination?
Yes
1
What are the two circumstances that can determine when death has occurred.
There are clear and obvious signs of death (rigor mortis, decomposition)
OR
Clinical criteria are met as follows:
no signs of breathing for 1 full minute AND
no central site pulse (carotid or femoral) AND
pupils dilated and un-reactive to light AND
REPEAT above in 10 minutes AND
3 lead taken and must show a Asystole
2
What do you do if during determining death your monitor still shows activity on the ECG?
Repeat ECG in another 10 minutes.
3
What special circumstances can happen with a patient fitted with a pace maker when determining death?
Electrical activity may still be generated for many hours after death.
4
Why do you repeat the checks in 10 minutes from initial thoughts that a patient has passed away?
Because some patients have been known to regain ROSC 5 - 10 minutes after resuscitation has been stopped.
5
Can you determine death if there is uncertainty in your breathing, pulse or ECG checks?
No
6
Can ambulance staff issue death certificates?
No - only doctors can.
7