diagnostic and lab methods

Question 1

EEG used to diagnose death

Answer 1

Absence of all EEG activity for 24 hours, an isoelectric EEG relaying zero brain activity. Can precede cessation of cardiac function, and patient can still present with spinal nerve reflexes (e.g. knee jerk reflex or Babinski reflex)

Question 2

Cardiac monitor to diagnose death

Answer 2

including ECG: Asystole, PEA (pulseless electrical activity), systolic pressure <100mmHg, O2 sat drops eventually to zero

Question 3

fundoscope to diagnose death

Answer 3

• Box-carring: segmentation of the blood column within the vessel. Requires that there be no motion within the vascular tree and is therefore a valid sign of death
  · Sausaging of veins: hallmark of macroglobulinemia (hyperviscosity), due to A/V nicking and swelling of the blood inbetween
  · Papilledema: bulging of the optic nerve, due to increased intracranial pressure

Question 4

thermometer to diagnose death

Answer 4

Extremities become cool when approaching death, shunting blood to the vital organs. After death occurs the rest of the body cools at a rate of 1.5°F (or 0.83°C) per hour until it reaches room temperature. hypothermia can sometimes be corrected and revive the pt. not dead until warm and dead.