ABMDI Demonstrating Scientific Knowledge| WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS

Sings of Death Include: correct answer: -Lack of Pulse/Respiration -Absence of Heartbeat -Lack of Corneal Reflex and Pupillary Constriction -Coolness of the Body -Rigor Mortis -Livor Mortis Rigor Mortis correct answer: Stiffness of the body that sets in several hours after death Rigor Mortis (Continued) correct answer: -Starts in the smaller muscles (jaw, extremities) **First Indicator appears after 2-4 hours** **Maximum Indicator is after 8-12 hours** -Onset and Dissipation of rigor is rapid in children compared to adults Livor Mortis correct answer: The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a reddish color to the skin Livor Mortis (Continued) correct answer: -Takes approximately 2-4 hours to develop -As interval extends, the livor becomes fixed and will not blanch on pressure -Generally, livor is fixed after 8-12 hours after death Tardieu Spots correct answer: In advance stages of livor mortis, the skin capillaries often rupture and cause pin point hemorrhages Eye Changes after Death correct answer: -Clouding (occurring 1-2 hours) -Sclera Dryness (TACHE NOIR) Body Temperature correct answer: -Rate at which bodies cool is NOT uniform!!! Algor Mortis correct answer: Cooling of the body after death Decomposition Patterns correct answer: 24 hours: greenish discoloration of right, lower abdomen 24-36 hours: greenish discoloration of the abdomen 36-48 hours: marbling, bloating of the face 48-60 hours: desiccation (drying) of the fingertips 60-72 hours: bloating of the body (purging) 4-7 days: skin blebs, hair sloughing, skin slippage days-weeks: dehydration of the body tissues weeks-months: adipocere, mummification, skeletonization Inspect the Body (External: Head) correct answer: -Examine the scalp for hidden trauma! -Lacerations may stick together; bullet wounds may be obscured