Classification and Initial Treatments of Discolorations

Which classification distinguishes discolorations based on when they occur relative to death?

• Antemortem vs. Postmortem

• Intravascular vs. Extravascular

• Blood vs. Drug-related

• Pathological vs. Decomposition

Discolorations confined within the vascular system are classified as which type?

• Extravascular

• Intravascular

• Surface agents

• Decomposition

Which category lists blood, drug and therapeutic, pathological, surface agents, reactions to chemicals, and decomposition as causes?

• Classification by time of occurrence

• Classification by location

• Classification by cause

• Classification by severity

Which of the following is an intravascular blood discoloration that embalming will help?

• Ecchymosis

• Petechia

• Livor mortis

• Hematoma

Which extravascular blood discolorations may be made worse by embalming?

• Livor mortis and hypostasis

• Ecchymosis, petechia, and hematoma

• Carbon monoxide and capillary congestion

• Postmortem stain only

General treatment for blood discolorations advises which initial action?

• Avoid arterial injection

• Flush out discoloration using regular arterial injection

• Use only cosmetics

• Incise affected areas immediately

According to guidance, when should pre-injection fluid be avoided?

• When the case analysis dictates strong solution

• If postmortem stain is present

• When edema is present

• When jaundice is suspected

Using high enough pressure to ensure vascular filling of chemicals carries what risk?

• Converting extravascular stains to intravascular

• Converting an intravascular stain to an extravascular one

• Causing capillary congestion to clear too fast

• Inhibiting cosmetic use

Which manual or mechanical aid is specifically mentioned for assisting with blood discoloration treatment?

• Cooling with ice

• Elevating the extremities

• Applying formaldehyde packs

• Hydrotherapy

Which special operative aid is suggested for stubborn extravascular blood discolorations?

• Topical cosmetics only

• Direct incision or puncturing to allow drainage of extravasated blood

• Reducing arterial pressure to minimal levels

• Immediate dehydrating packs only