Asphyxia Risks in Children

Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of asphyxia in victims of sexual asphyxiation?

Suffocation due to drowning

Obstruction of the airway

Direct pressure on the chest

Constricting force on the neck (correct)

Which of the following methods does NOT cause asphyxia as a result of pressure on the neck?

Suffocation with a plastic bag

Hanging

Compression of the abdomen (correct)

Strangulation

In judicial hanging, what is a key factor in determining the outcome?

Method of applying pressure

Presence of ligature marks

Victim’s position at the time

Weight of the victim’s body (correct)

What distinguishes strangulation from other methods of asphyxiation?

Use of a ligature Signup and view all the answers

What might misleadingly categorize a case as homicidal when it is a result of auto-erotism?

Application of pressure on the neck Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes death in cases of hanging?

Cardiac arrest due to vagal inhibition Signup and view all the answers

Which type of histotoxic anoxia is caused by the failure of tissue enzyme systems due to poisoning?

Extracellular histotoxic anoxia Signup and view all the answers

What defines complete hanging?

Suspension by the neck without limb contact with the ground Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of pericellular histotoxic anoxia?

Impairment of oxygen transfer due to cell membrane issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions could lead to partial hanging?

Lying supine Signup and view all the answers

How does metabolite histotoxic anoxia affect oxygen utilization in cells?

Leads to the accumulation of cellular respiratory end products Signup and view all the answers

What type of substance can cause extracellular histotoxic anoxia?

Cyanide or overdose of anesthetics Signup and view all the answers

What injury is associated with judicial hanging that can lead to death?

Fracture-dislocation of the cervical vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of accidental hanging in infants?

Strangulation due to umbilical cord Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not classified under sexual asphyxia?

Judicial hanging Signup and view all the answers

In what age group is accidental hanging least common?

Adults Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence may occur from a child playing with a noose while reenacting a hanging scene?

Death from asphyxia Signup and view all the answers

Which condition describes the phenomenon of causing temporary oxygen deprivation for sexual arousal?

Asphyxiophilia Signup and view all the answers

How might a poorly designed crib lead to accidental strangulation of an infant?

Excessive space between crib bars Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for deaths caused by hanging that are aimed at inducing a state of sexual arousal?

Asphyxial deaths Signup and view all the answers

Which adult practice could lead to accidental hanging incidents?

Engaging in autoerotic hanging Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Accidental Hanging

Accidental hanging can occur among infants, children, adolescents, and adults but is rare.
Infants may suffer from umbilical cord strangulation, leading to death during or shortly after birth.
Poorly designed cribs can cause infants to slip and strangle themselves.
Children have been found to accidentally hang themselves while imitating scenes or playing.

Adolescent and Adult Cases

Adolescents and adults may experience accidental hanging related to sexual asphyxia or autoerotic hanging.
This phenomenon, also known as asphyxiophilia or hypoxiphilia, involves intentionally inducing temporary anoxia to enhance sexual pleasure.
Signs of such cases may include the presence of pornographic materials and other bondage elements.
Asphyxia may be caused by neck constriction through various means, including ligatures or direct pressure.

Judicial Hanging

Judicial hanging involves a ligature tied around the neck, with the force of body weight applied for suspension.
Death typically results from asphyxia, cerebral anoxia, vagal inhibition leading to cardiac arrest, or injury to the spinal cord.
Fracture-dislocation of cervical vertebrae (C2-C4) can occur, especially in cases of judicial hanging.

Mechanisms of Asphyxia

Asphyxia in hanging is primarily due to the inability of cells to utilize oxygen, despite adequate blood flow (histotoxic anoxia).
Various classifications of histotoxic anoxia exist, including:
- Extracellular: Due to tissue enzyme failure from poisoning (e.g., cyanide).
- Pericellular: Reduced cell membrane permeability due to anesthetic agents.
- Substrate: Inefficient metabolism from low blood sugar levels.
- Metabolite: Accumulation of cellular respiration byproducts.

Types of Hanging

Complete Hanging: Body fully suspended with no part touching the ground.
Partial Hanging: Parts of the body, like feet, may still touch the ground, allowing for different positions (sitting, lying, kneeling).
Typical Hanging: Ligature knot located at the back of the neck.

Key Terms

Asphyxia: Lack of oxygen leading to suffocation.
Cerebral Anoxia: Inadequate oxygen supply to the brain.
Vagal Inhibition: Reflex response causing a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.

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Description

This quiz explores the dangers of asphyxia in children, particularly focusing on cases of accidental hanging and entanglement. Understanding these risks is crucial for prevention and safety in child care settings. Test your knowledge on the signs, causes, and preventive measures related to asphyxia among children.