Autopsy And Exhumation Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of autopsy?

A

Postmortem examination of a dead body by dissecting it.

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2
Q

What are the three types of autopsies?

A
  • Pathological autopsy
  • Medicolegal autopsy
  • Anatomical autopsy
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3
Q

What is a pathological autopsy?

A

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

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4
Q

What is a medicolegal autopsy?

A

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

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5
Q

What is an anatomical autopsy?

A

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

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6
Q

When is a medicolegal autopsy conducted?

A

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

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7
Q

What is the ideal setting for conducting an autopsy?

A

In daylight or a daylight setting to appreciate color changes.

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8
Q

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

A

4°C.

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9
Q

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

A

-20°C.

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10
Q

What is the primary objective of a medicolegal autopsy?

A
  • 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.
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11
Q

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

A

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

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12
Q

What type of incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy?

A

A midline incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy.

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13
Q

What is an I-shaped incision?

A

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

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14
Q

What is a Y-shaped incision?

A

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.

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15
Q

What is a Modified Y-shaped incision?

A

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

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16
Q

What is a T-shaped incision?

A

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

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17
Q

What is a medicolegal autopsy?

A

An autopsy conducted in the context of legal investigation.

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18
Q

What type of cases require a medicolegal autopsy?

A

Cases under IPC.

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19
Q

Is an inquest required for a medicolegal autopsy?

A

Yes, an inquest is required.

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20
Q

Is the consent of relatives required for a medicolegal autopsy?

A

No, consent of relatives is not required.

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21
Q

Who can request a medicolegal autopsy?

A

Request from investigation officer.

22
Q

What is the primary purpose of a medicolegal autopsy?

A

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

23
Q

What additional information does a medicolegal autopsy provide?

A

To find out the time and manner of death.

24
Q

What is another purpose of a medicolegal autopsy?

A

Identification in case of unknown bodies.

25
Q

What is a pathological autopsy?

A

An autopsy conducted to determine the disease that caused death.

26
Q

Does a pathological autopsy require a case to be filed?

A

No case is required.

27
Q

Is an inquest required for a pathological autopsy?

A

No, an inquest is not required.

28
Q

Who can request a pathological autopsy?

A

Request from treating doctor.

29
Q

What is the main focus of a pathological autopsy?

A

To find out the disease which caused death.

30
Q

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

A

Not relevant.

31
Q

Is identification necessary in a pathological autopsy?

A

Not necessary.

32
Q

What are universal precautions?

A

Precautions taken during autopsies in cases of HIV and HBV.

33
Q

Who should be admitted to the autopsy room?

A

No unauthorized person.

34
Q

List the protective clothing required during an autopsy.

A
  • 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.
35
Q

What type of visor is recommended for eye protection?

A

A plastic visor.

36
Q

How can exposure to needle stick injuries be minimized?

A

By using blunt needles and bulb syringes.

37
Q

What should be done with instruments after use?

A

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

38
Q

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

A

They should be incinerated.

39
Q

How should the autopsy table and floor be cleaned?

A

With a 1% bleaching solution (sodium hypochlorite).

40
Q

What can be used instead of suture needles?

A

Suture closing tapes.

41
Q

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

A
  • Wash the area in running water
  • Wash with bleaching solution
  • Encourage bleeding
  • Disinfect the wound.
42
Q

What is the definition of exhumation?

A

Digging out of an already buried body from the burial place

43
Q

Is there a time limit for exhumation in India?

A

No time limit

44
Q

What is one reason for exhumation in criminal cases?

A

Suspected homicide disguised as suicides or natural death

45
Q

List two reasons for exhumation related to criminal cases.

A
  • Death as a result of criminal abortion
  • Death due to criminal negligence
46
Q

What is a reason for exhumation related to retrieving evidence?

A

To retrieve some vital objects like bullets from the body

47
Q

What is one reason for exhumation in civil cases?

A

Identification of the deceased for insurance claims

48
Q

List three civil case reasons for exhumation.

A
  • Workman’s compensation
  • Inheritance of property
  • Burial of a wrong body by mistake or fraud
49
Q

What is a psychological autopsy?

A

An investigation by reconstructing a person’s state of mind before death.

It involves analyzing various sources of information to understand the deceased’s mental state.

50
Q

What types of information are gathered during a psychological autopsy?

A
  • Personal documents
  • Police records
  • Medical records
  • Interviews with family, friends, and relatives

These sources help to piece together the deceased’s mental state and circumstances leading to death.

51
Q

What can be determined from a psychological autopsy?

A

The manner and cause of death.

This analysis aims to provide insights into the psychological factors that may have contributed to the death.