Embalming 3- Exam 1- Trakesha Flashcards
A post mortem evacuation of any substance from an external orifice of the body due to pressure. You may notice prior to embalming, during embalming, or even after
PURGE
types of purge; all these types may contain blood
stomach lung brain rectal vascular (false)
types of purge; liquid, has a coffee ground appearance, sour odor, contains acid, Usually exits through the nose and/or mouth. (Causes dehydration.)
stomach
types of purge; frothy - white, no odor, usually exists through the nose and/or mouth. Can easily be confused with the suds from the disinfectant used to clean the mouth. (No dehydration)
lung
types of purge; creamy - white, no odor, usually exits through the ears and/or nose. Can come from mouth also
brain
types of purge; feces escaping from the rectum
rectal
types of purge; color and consistency similar to arterial solution. This purge is arterial fluid due to the deterioration of the vascular system
vascular (false)
three types of treatment of purge prior to embalming
massage cream
nasal tube aspiration
trocar/scalpel blade
massage cream is applied over the areas which purge material to do what?
minimize burning
treatment of purge during embalming
a. All procedure may be followed for prior to embalming
b. IF there is vascular purge, it may result from a break in the vascular system, therefore: a multi-point injection may be needed
c. Sectional injection may be necessary
d. Hypodermic embalming may be needed to supplement arterial injection
e. Allow the body to purge
treatment of purge following arterial and cavity embalming
Nasal Tube Aspirator
Re-Aspiration and Reinjection until the purge is controlled
This treatment should be performed if a brain purge is present
Cranial Cavity Treatment
Reasons for drainage
Diminish secondary dilution, 5 to 6 quarts for blood in human body.
Remove intravascular discoloration– livor mortis in system. (Discoloration is removed with bleaching agent)Helps prevent distention – remove moisture, not to mummify body
Makes for additional room to disinfect fluids (helps to permit disinfection).
Components of Drainage
Arterial solution
Liquid blood and blood clots
Lymphatic fluid
Interstitial fluid
Components of Drainage; it has been estimated that 50 % of drainage is actually
arterial solution.
50% remains in arteries.
Components of Drainage; post mortem clots, jelly like stuff and yellow fatty clots called chicken fat
Liquid blood and blood clots
Components of Drainage; spring like Latin term – lymph enters blood stream ¾ of lymph fluid is drained in ?
thoracic duct
Components of Drainage; tissue fluid, excesses amount of fluid in tissue, edema cases
Interstitial fluid
methods of drainage
alternate
intermittent
concurrent (continuous)
direct heart (heart tap)
method of drainage; arterial solution is never injected while drainage is taken. (Note- alternate between drain and injection). Least frequently practiced because of the time involved
alternate drainage
arterial solution is injected w/ no drainage (approximately a quart or 2 until the superficial vessels distend).Then injection is stopped and drainage is allowed. This processes is continued until body is embalmed
alternate drainage
ADVANTAGES OF ALTERNATE DRAINAGE
Develops more uniformed intravascular pressure
More complete fluid distribution is achieved.
Fluid diffusion is enhanced.
Final results is a better embalmed body.
Prevents short circuiting – liquid substance does not resist flow.
Less avenues for blood to travel.
PRECAUTIONS OF ALTERNATE DRAINAGE
Care must be taken to avoid distention (distention is possible with any method of injection and drainage) May increase embalming time slightly. (remember this is not a timed event)
method of drainage; continuous injection with drainage taken at intervals; use of drain tube. Compromise between alternate and current methods, helps prevent short circuiting.
intermittent drainage
method of drainage; injection and drainage proceed at the same time throughout the embalming procedure, no resistance is present. This is the most commonly practiced method, but is the least effective procedure
concurrent (continuous) drainage
PRECAUTIONS OF CONCURRENT (CONTINUOUS) DRAINAGE
Difficult to attain sufficient pressure to saturate the tissues throughout the body.
Fluid will follow a point at least resistance developing short circuits.
Embalming solution will be lost in the drainage
This method is recommended ONLY in special situations where a vein cannot be used for drainage.
direct heart drainage (heart tap)
procedure for heart tap
Inject approximately ½ to one gallon of arterial fluid. Insert trocar into the right side of the heart by using the trocar guide for the heart.
The trocar may be attached to the hydro-aspirator, however DO NOT turn the hydro-aspirator on FULL
precautions for using direct heart drainage (heart tap)
should the trocar puncture the ascending aorta on the arch, it may necessitate a multi-site injection procedure. (6pt injection).
TECHNIQUES ON IMPROVING DRAINAGE –
Selection of a large vein
Selection of large drain instrument.
Injection of a pre-injection fluid
Use of massage toward the point of drainage.
Increase rate of flow or increase injection pressure. Selection of another drainage site.
Intermittent or alternate forms of drainage.
when embalming an infant case, what are the pre-embalming considerations in regards to feature setting
no eye-caps or mouth formers, use natural lip closure- use glue if needed
when embalming an infant case, how should you position the body?
“hold-up” style, with feet turned inward
what solution strength should you use for an infant case?
usually use weakest (18 index)
injection site for an infant case?
abdominal aorta and IVC
descending abdominal aorta initial site of injection in non-autopsied infant case
where should you make your incision for an infant case?
small mid-line incision beneath the umbilicus
post embalming considerations for an infant case
use same incision for trocar. Less than two insert in fontanel. Infant trocar 5/16 and 7” length.
o Closing and sealing of incisions- use liquid sealer and a small piece of cotton over that
o Cleaning and disinfecting procedures
best form of mouth closure
needle injector
Ship out/Ship-in• Embalming considerations
o Primary disinfection
o Feature setting- use needle injection (best form of mouth closure)
o Greater Solution strength and volume
o Cavity treatment
Ship out/Ship-in• Post-Embalming Preparation
o Incision closing and sealing (lock stitch)
o Treatment of all orifices
o Terminal disinfection of bodyo Leakage precautions (may use plastic protectors, coveralls, unionalls)
o Stabilizing techniques in casket or shipping case
o Embalming documentation- burial transit permit, embalming case report
