1. Introduction and death investigation

Question 1

Forensic pathology deals with?

Answer 1

The investigation of unexpected, unnatural or violent deaths

Question 2

Clinical forensic medicine deals with?

Answer 2

Injuries, intoxication or other tissues in the living

Question 3

When a person is dead doctor is called for following reasons (3)

Answer 3

1. physically confirm the death (heartbeat, breathing)
2. issue death certificate with the cause of death
3. refer the death for further medico-legal investigation and not issue a death certificate

Question 4

Death certificate components (4)

Answer 4

1. details of deceased person
2. the cause of death (important part)
3. various administrative question about the death
4. details of the signing doctor

Question 5

Cause of death further components (2)

Answer 5

1. part 1 : 3-4 subdivisions (a, b, c, d)
   part 1a always must have something entered in it; other parts are filled if relevant
2. part 2 : 2 or more sections

Question 6

Part 1a

Answer 6

Part 1a is for the final condition from which the person died (bronchopneumonia, gastro-intestinal haemorrhage, head injury)

Question 7

Parts 1b and 1c

Answer 7

for any underlying conditions leading to that final condition
(carcinoma, chronic ulcer, road accident)

Question 8

Part 2

Answer 8

for conditions not directly related to the cause of death, but may contributed to it
(COPD, anaemia, old infarct)

Question 9

Why do we need death certificates (3)?

Answer 9

1. documentary proof of someone’s death and maintain national records
2. usually make sure that someone medical has seen the body after death
3. provide valuable information about frequency and trends of disease