Refrigeration

Question 1

Short term refrigeration advantages:

Answer 1

1. Slows decomp
2. Slows cycle of rigor mortis
3. Blood remains liquid

Question 2

Problem: Dehydration

Answer 2

1. Causes discolourations
2. Leads to thickened blood
3. More problematic with cotton sheets

Question 3

Treatments: Dehydration

Answer 3

1. Use humectant in arterial solution
2. Inject milder solution at larger volumes
3. Treat discolourations locally

Question 4

Problem: Decomp/skin slip/purge -> increases preservative demand

Answer 4

Treatment: Inject strong solutions using restricted cervical injection; use multi-point and/or hypodermic injection; thoroughly treat cavities; treat skin slip where needed

Question 5

Problem: Plastic shrouds can cause moist, clammy skin

Answer 5

Treatment: Wash body with warm water & germicidal soap

Question 6

Problem: increased capillary permeability -> breakdown increases risk of distention; capillaries can rupture

Answer 6

Treatment: inject min volume of strong solution at low pressure/R-o-F, using restricted cervical injection

Question 7

Problem: decomposition (long term refrgieration)

Answer 7

Treatment: Use strong solutions & thorough cavity treatment -> multipoint injection if necessary

Question 8

Problem: Increase in blood coagula
Arterial = problems with distribution
Venous = problems with drainage
Causes p.m. staining

Answer 8

Treatment: Inject on pulse mode; use coinjection chemicals to assist drainage; use alternate drainage; drain from right IJV; use restricted cervical injection or multipoint; manipulate pressure & R-O-F; use massage

Question 9

Problem: Hypostasis can cause edema and staining in dependent body areas

Answer 9

Treatment: Elevate head & neck to drain fluid/prevent it collecting

Question 10

Problem: blood remaining liquid causes intense livor mortis

Answer 10

Treatment: Arterial injection; drainage from right IJV

Question 11

Problem: Increase in P.M. stain

Answer 11

Treatment: Use fluid dyes; surface treatments (bleaching); cosmetics

Question 12

Problem: Abdomen may distend, leading to purge

Answer 12

Treatment: inject with slow/low pressure & R-O-F; aspirate to relieve pressure; treat cavities thoroughly

Question 13

Problem: Cold, solid fatty tissue may be mistaken for signs of tissue fixation

Answer 13

Treatment: Use fluid dye to trace distribution; use other means of assessing preservation