Deck Dr Williams Flashcards
List 5 common toxic fire gases, not including carbon monoxide
Cyanide
Phosgene
Acrolein
Sulfur dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Hydrogen chloride
CO2
List and describe 5 types of cervical vertebral fractures below C2
Flexion-distraction (injury posterior ligaments, anterior displacement of vertebrae with no fracture)
Flexion-compression (same as flexion distraction, but with anterior and inferior displacement of a vertebrae, causing compression and fracturing of the adjacent vertebra)
Extension distraction (opposite of flexion distraction, no fracture)
Extension compression (opposite of flexion distraction, but with fracture posterior elements)
Vertical compression: compression and fracturing of a vertebra
What is the most important factor determining the state of skeletalized remains?
The environment(s) to which they were exposed (much more important than the period of time elapsed since death)
list effects of alcohol
CNS depression
Diuresis
Disregulation of heat-regulatory mechanisms (peripheral vasodilation and heat loss)
Electrolyte disturbances
Cerebellar vermal degeneration
3 categories of cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic
Dilated
Restrictive
What are the forensic pathology priorities and necessary examinations in airline crashes?
Identification
Determination of COD
Autopsy for pilots/crew
Detection of potential evidence
What is an explanation for low levels of cyanide in the blood of a seemingly natural or traumatic death?
Postmortem production, especially if no sodium fluoride added or if stored prolonged before testing
Symptoms of diabetes
Polyphagia
Polydypsia
Weight loss
Polyuria
Ways to reduce risks in autopsy suite
Staff training
PPE with proper N95 mask
Avoid aerosol
Consider not performing autopsy in certain cases
Explain the biochemical changes in the exercise and post-exercise periods that may contribute to sudden death
During:
Sympathetic NS stimulation, leading to increased HR, BP, increased cathecholamines, elevated potassium
Post-exercise:
Cathecholamine levels continue to rise
Potassium levels drop rapidly, leading to hypokalemia
List normal oxygen concentration in atmosphere and common symptoms at lower levels
20.9%
10-15%: impaired judgement
8-10%: loss of consciousness
<8% Death
What % of ‘drowning’ cases are so-called dry-lung drowning, with normal lung weights?
10-20%
Contrast classical findings in hanging vs ligature strangulation
Hanging:
- Uprising ligature mark
- No congestion or petechial hemorrhages
Ligature stangulation:
- Horizontal ligature furrow
- Periligature mark
- Congestion and petechial hemorrhage
- Over or below laryngeal proeminence
Radiographic finding in lead poisoning
Lead lines in gums or metaphyseal plate
What is the major resistor in the body?
Skin
what is methyl alcohol metabolized by and what is the product?
Formaldehyde –> formic acid
Give some generalized signs and symptoms of alcohol toxicity at various BACs
over 30 - impaired complex skills
50-100 - loss of inhibition, laughter, sensory disturbance
80 - legal limit for driving in Canada
150-200 - obvious drunkeness, nausea, staggering
200-300 - stupor, vomiting, coma
Over 350 - progressive danger of death from respiratory paralysis
***CAUTION - may case examples of high BAC in surviving and functioning individuals exist, eg. woman surviving 1510 mg/dL, Australian drivers at 500 mg/dL at roadside checkpoint stops….
list causes of death for ‘death in dental chair’
Natural causes
Anaesthetic related
- Local anaesthetic related (IV or overadministrtion of drugs)
- Allergic reaction
what ECG changes are associated with hypothermia?
Inverted T waves
Prolongation QT
What is ‘triple risk’ model of SIDS?
A vulverable infant in a critical period of development with environmental factors (external stressor)