Autopsy And Exhumation

Question 1

What is the definition of autopsy?

Answer 1

Postmortem examination of a dead body by dissecting it.

Question 2

What are the three types of autopsies?

Answer 2

• Pathological autopsy
• Medicolegal autopsy
• Anatomical autopsy

Question 3

What is a pathological autopsy?

Answer 3

Clinical autopsy done to determine the disease causing death, performed by a pathologist with consent of relatives.

Question 4

What is a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 4

Autopsy done in unnatural deaths to find out cause, manner, and time of death, conducted without consent of relatives after an inquest.

Question 5

What is an anatomical autopsy?

Answer 5

Autopsy done to study the structure of the human body, performed by an anatomist on unclaimed bodies or donated bodies.

Question 6

When is a medicolegal autopsy conducted?

Answer 6

In all types of unnatural deaths with a registered case in the police station after an inquest.

Question 7

What is the ideal setting for conducting an autopsy?

Answer 7

In daylight or a daylight setting to appreciate color changes.

Question 8

What temperature should a dead body be kept at for autopsy?

Answer 8

4°C.

Question 9

What temperature is required to keep a body for long durations?

Answer 9

-20°C.

Question 10

What is the primary objective of a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 10

• To find out the cause of death
• To find out the manner of death
• To find out the time since death
• To establish identity when unknown
• To find out the manner of causation of injuries
• To collect relevant materials and tissues for evidence
• To determine live birth and viability in newborns.

Question 11

What is the position of the forensic surgeon during a postmortem?

Answer 11

The forensic surgeon should stand on the right side of the body.

Question 12

What type of incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy?

Answer 12

A midline incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy.

Question 13

What is an I-shaped incision?

Answer 13

A midline incision extending from the chin straight down to the pubis avoiding the umbilicus.

Question 14

What is a Y-shaped incision?

Answer 14

An incision from the xiphisternum to either side under the breast extending up to the acromion and from the xiphisternum a midline incision to the pubis.

Question 15

What is a Modified Y-shaped incision?

Answer 15

An incision from the mastoid process to the suprasternal notch and from the suprasternal notch a midline incision downwards.

Question 16

What is a T-shaped incision?

Answer 16

An incision from the suprasternal notch to the pubic symphysis with lateral limbs of ‘T’ to both shoulders.

Question 17

What is a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 17

An autopsy conducted in the context of legal investigation.

Question 18

What type of cases require a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 18

Cases under IPC.

Question 19

Is an inquest required for a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 19

Yes, an inquest is required.

Question 20

Is the consent of relatives required for a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 20

No, consent of relatives is not required.

Question 21

Who can request a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 21

Request from investigation officer.

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 22

To find out the cause of death in unnatural deaths like suicides, homicides, and accidents.

Question 23

What additional information does a medicolegal autopsy provide?

Answer 23

To find out the time and manner of death.

Question 24

What is another purpose of a medicolegal autopsy?

Answer 24

Identification in case of unknown bodies.

Question 25

What is a pathological autopsy?

Answer 25

An autopsy conducted to determine the disease that caused death.

Question 26

Does a pathological autopsy require a case to be filed?

Answer 26

No case is required.

Question 27

Is an inquest required for a pathological autopsy?

Answer 27

No, an inquest is not required.

Question 28

Who can request a pathological autopsy?

Answer 28

Request from treating doctor.

Question 29

What is the main focus of a pathological autopsy?

Answer 29

To find out the disease which caused death.

Question 30

Are the time and manner of death relevant in a pathological autopsy?

Answer 30

Not relevant.

Question 31

Is identification necessary in a pathological autopsy?

Answer 31

Not necessary.

Question 32

What are universal precautions?

Answer 32

Precautions taken during autopsies in cases of HIV and HBV.

Question 33

Who should be admitted to the autopsy room?

Answer 33

No unauthorized person.

Question 34

List the protective clothing required during an autopsy.

Answer 34

* Full sleeve gowns * Plastic apron * Head cap * N95 particulate mask * Goggles * Double gloves (heavy autopsy glove over surgical glove) * Waterproof rubber gum boots of knee length with shoe covers.

Question 35

What type of visor is recommended for eye protection?

Answer 35

A plastic visor.

Question 36

How can exposure to needle stick injuries be minimized?

Answer 36

By using blunt needles and bulb syringes.

Question 37

What should be done with instruments after use?

Answer 37

Dipped in 2% glutaraldehyde (Cidex) within 30 minutes, washed with soap and water, dried, and then rinsed in methylated spirit or autoclaved.

Question 38

What should be done with disposable items like gauze and aprons?

Answer 38

They should be incinerated.

Question 39

How should the autopsy table and floor be cleaned?

Answer 39

With a 1% bleaching solution (sodium hypochlorite).

Question 40

What can be used instead of suture needles?

Answer 40

Suture closing tapes.

Question 41

What steps should be taken in case of an accidental cut or needle prick?

Answer 41

* Wash the area in running water * Wash with bleaching solution * Encourage bleeding * Disinfect the wound.

Question 42

What is the definition of exhumation?

Answer 42

Digging out of an already buried body from the burial place

Question 43

Is there a time limit for exhumation in India?

Answer 43

No time limit

Question 44

What is one reason for exhumation in criminal cases?

Answer 44

Suspected homicide disguised as suicides or natural death

Question 45

List two reasons for exhumation related to criminal cases.

Answer 45

* Death as a result of criminal abortion * Death due to criminal negligence

Question 46

What is a reason for exhumation related to retrieving evidence?

Answer 46

To retrieve some vital objects like bullets from the body

Question 47

What is one reason for exhumation in civil cases?

Answer 47

Identification of the deceased for insurance claims

Question 48

List three civil case reasons for exhumation.

Answer 48

* Workman's compensation * Inheritance of property * Burial of a wrong body by mistake or fraud

Question 49

What is a psychological autopsy?

Answer 49

An investigation by reconstructing a person's state of mind before death. ## Footnote It involves analyzing various sources of information to understand the deceased's mental state.

Question 50

What types of information are gathered during a psychological autopsy?

Answer 50

* Personal documents * Police records * Medical records * Interviews with family, friends, and relatives ## Footnote These sources help to piece together the deceased's mental state and circumstances leading to death.

Question 51

What can be determined from a psychological autopsy?

Answer 51

The manner and cause of death. ## Footnote This analysis aims to provide insights into the psychological factors that may have contributed to the death.