E-learning palliative

Question 1

What is another name for hospital morgue?

Answer 1

Rose cottage

Question 2

If not examined after death (i.e. verified) then the doctor writing the MCCD/cremation form will be required to visit the body in the morgue. What is the purpose of this?

Answer 2

The purpose of this exam is primarily to confirm the identify and verify the presence of a pacemaker

Question 3

What are the verification of death steps?

Answer 3

Identify the patient from their wristband
Feel for a carotid pulse to confirm absence
Assess pain response (i.e. squeeze trapezius muscle) to confirm absence
Use a pen torch to assess pupillary light response and confirm absence (i.e. fixed and dilated)
Auscultate for heart sounds for full minute to confirm absence
Auscultate for breath sounds for a full minute to confirm absence

Question 4

What deaths need to be reported to a coroner?

Answer 4

Unknown cause of death
Identity of deceased is unknown
Death occurred during or shortly after a period of police custody
No attending medical practitioner available to sign death certificate
Death may be due to undergoing a medical treatment or procedure
Death may be attributable to a person’s employment
All deaths within 24 hours of admission to hospital
When not seen by a medical practitioner in the 28 days prior to death
Poisoning (deliberate or accidental)
Exposure to toxic substances (including radioactive material)
Intake of medicinal products, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances (i.e. overdoses)
Death may be due to violence, trauma or injury (inflicted by someone else, themselves or an accident, including falls and road traffic accidents)
Death may be due to self-harm, or suicide
Death may be due to neglect, or self-neglect self-neglect or neglect on the behalf of others
Death may be due to an abortion

Question 5

What are the top 5 causes of death?

Answer 5

1. Dementia
2. Ischaemic heart disease
3. Lung cancer
4. Stroke
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Question 6

Certain electronic and metallic implants can cause damage to crematoriums, if not removed prior to cremation. What are some examples?

Answer 6

Pacemakers
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTDs)
Implantable loop recorders
Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
Implantable drug pumps including intrathecal pumps
Neurostimulators
Bone growth stimulators
Hydrocephalus programmable shunts
Fixion nails
Any other battery powered or pressurised implant
Radioactive implants
Radiopharmaceutical treatment (via injection)