MEDICOLEGAL ASPECT OF F DEATH Flashcards
It is the complete cessation of all the vital functions without possibility of resuscitation
DEATH
It is an irreversible loss of the properties of living matter.
DEATH
KINDS OF DEATH
- Somatic Death or Clinical Death
- Molecular or Cellular Death
- Apparent Death or State of Suspended Animation
It is hardly possible to determine the exact time of death
Somatic Death or Clinical Death
Somatic or Clinical types of Deaths
- Sociological Death
- Psychic Death
- Biologic Death
- Physiologic Death
Type of death wherein withdrawal and separation from the patient by others producing a sense of isolation and abandonment, unvisited and let alone to die
SOCIOLOGICAL DEATH
Condition of death wherein the patient regresses, gives up or surrenders accepting death prematurely and refuses to continue living.
PSYCHIC DEATH
Type of death characterized by the absence of cognitive function or awareness, although artificial support system may maintain organs functioning.
BIOLOGIC DEATH
Type of death when all vital organs cease to function.
PSYSIOLOGIC DEATH
Its exact occurrence cannot be definitely ascertained because its time of appearance is influenced by several factors like previous state of health, infection, climatic condition, cellular nutrition, etc.
Molecular or Cellular Death
This condition is not really death but merely a transient loss of the vital functions of the body on account of disease, external stimulus, or other forms of influence.
Apparent Death or State of Suspended Animation
Methods of detecting the cessation of heart action and circulation
a. Examination of Heart
b. Examination of the Peripheral Circulation
Examination of heart
a. Palpation of the pulse
b. Auscultation for the heart sound at the precordial area
c. Fluoroscopic Examination
d. By the use of electrocardiograph
It is the pulsation is very imperceptible and irregular that the examiner experiences much difficulty
Palpation of the pulse
The rhythmic contraction and
relaxation of the heart is audible through the stethoscope.
Auscultation for the Heart Sound at the Precordial Area
reveal the shadow of the heart in its rhythmic contraction and relaxation. The shadow may be enlarged, and the excursion made less visible due to pericardial effusion.
Fluoroscopic Examination
This is the best method of determining heart action but quite impractical
By the Use of Electrocardiograph
It will record the heart beat even if it is too weak to be heard by auscultation
Electrocardiograph
Examination of the Peripheral Circulation
a. Magnus Test
b. Opening of small Artery
c. Icard’s Test
d. Pressure on the Fingernails
e. Diaphanous Test
f. Application of heat on the skin
g. Palpation of the radical pulse with fingers
A ligature is applied around the base of a finger with moderate tightness.
MAGNUS TEST
• Living: the blood escapes in jerk and at a distance.
• Dead: the blood vessel is white and there is no jerking escape of blood but may only ooze towards
the nearby skin.
OPENING OF SMALL ARTERY
This consists of the injection of a solution of fluorescein subcutaneously.
ICARD’S TEST
This test should be applied only with the use of the daylight as the color is difficult to be appreciated with the use of artificial light.
ICARD’S TEST
Pressure is applied on the fingernails of a living person intermittently, there will be a zone of paleness at the site of the application of pressure which become livid on release
PRESSURE ON THE FINGERNAILS
The fingers are spread wide and the finger webs are viewed through a strong light.
DIAPHANOUS TEST
If heated material is applied on the skin in the living person, there will be blister formation, congestion, and other vital reactions of the injured area will be observed.
APPLICATION OF HEAT ON THE SKIN
• Living: will feel the rhythmic pulsation of the vessel due to the flow of blood.
• Dead: No such pulsation will be observed
PALPATION OF THE RADIAL PULSE WITH FINGERS
Like heart action, cessation of respiration in order to be considered as a sign of death must be continuous and persistent.
STOPPAGE OF RESPIRATION
Methods of detecting cessation of respiratory
a. Expose the chest and abdomen and observe the movement during inspiration and expiration.
b. Examine the person with the aid of a stethoscope which is placed at the base of the anterior aspect of
the neck and hear sound of the current of air passing through the trachea during each phase of respiration.
c. Mirror Test
d. Examination with a Feather or Cotton Fiber
e. Examination with a Glass of Water
f. Winslow’s Test
The surface of a cold-looking glass is held in front of the mouth and nostrils. If there is dimming of the mirror after a time, there is still respiration
MIRROR TEST
Place a fine feather or a strip of cotton in front of the lips and nostrils
EXAMINATION WITH A FEATHER OR COTTON FIBER
Place a glass half full of water at the region of the chest.
EXAMINATION WITH A GLASS OF WATER
The reflection is utilized to magnify the / movement of the surface of mercury or water.
WINSLOW’S TEST
