Autopsy

Question 1

Cause of Death

Answer 1

the injury or disease producing physiologic derangement in the body that led to the death of the individual

Question 2

Manner of Death

Answer 2

the circumstances surrounding the death

Question 3

What are the 5 manners of death in Wisconsin?

Answer 3

Suicide, Homicide, Accident, Undetermined, and Natural

Question 4

What are the benefits of an autopsy to the family of the deceased?

Answer 4

Assists with the grieving process
Identifies heritable disease
Identifies contagious diseases
Assists in identifying missing loved ones

Question 5

What are the benefits of an autopsy for Medicine and Public Health?

Answer 5

Evaluates the efficacy of therapeutic or diagnostic techniques
Serves as a quality assurance tool regarding clinical care received
Aids in education of students and residents
Provides investigators with normal and diseased human tissues for research
Assists in public health surveillance for environmental hazards and contagious diseases

Question 6

What are the legal benefits of autopsy?

Answer 6

Provides necessary data for determination of insurance benefits or workman’s compensation
Documents evidence of injury and collects trace evidence for future criminal prosecutions
Explains otherwise sudden and unexpected and unexplained deaths
Can eliminate suspicions regarding medical care that might otherwise lead to frivolous malpractice lawsuits.

Question 7

Algor Mortis

Answer 7

reduction in body temperature post-mortem

Question 8

Livor Mortis

Answer 8

purple discoloration of dependent body portions

Question 9

Verchow method of organ removal?

Answer 9

remove organs one by one

Question 10

Ghon method of organ removal?

Answer 10

remove as separate organ blocks

Question 11

Letulle method of organ removal?

Answer 11

remove organs as a single group

Question 12

Who may certify death?

Answer 12

physicians, coroners, and MEs

Question 13

physicians can only certify deaths occurring with a _______ manner

Answer 13

natural

Question 14

Most states require that death certificates be filed within________ hours

Answer 14

48-72

Question 15

What cases would you use immunohistochemistry tests?

Answer 15

Used for previously unknown tumors, certain infectious diseases, and examination of brain tissue for dementia

Question 16

What is the most common reason for ordering a microbiology test?

Answer 16

Persons dying of suspected infections

Question 17

What are common reasons you would order a toxicology test?

Answer 17

overdose, MVA, and sudden/unexpected deaths

Question 18

What is cytogenic analysis and why is it commonly ordered?

Answer 18

This is a sampling of tissues retaining viability at the time of autopsy //// miscarriage/stillbirth

Question 19

Why are radiology test ordered?

Answer 19

Often done for gunshot wounds, child abuse, and cases of suspected pneumothorax/air embolism

Question 20

The responsibility for coroner notification lies primarily with the ___________

Answer 20

treating clinician

Question 21

What is the most important determining factor determining whether the family consents to autopsy or not?

Answer 21

how the consent is asked for by the clinician