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What is a purge?
What is a purge?
Post mortem evacuation of any substance from any orifice of the dead body as a result of pressure.
Purge typically refers to the nose and mouth.
Purge typically refers to the nose and mouth.
True
What is the biggest problem associated with purge during or following embalming?
What is the biggest problem associated with purge during or following embalming?
What is the first step to take in handling a pre-embalming purge?
What is the first step to take in handling a pre-embalming purge?
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Embalming purge is less of a concern if it is minor and not causing significant circulation issues.
Embalming purge is less of a concern if it is minor and not causing significant circulation issues.
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If significant amounts of arterial solution are being wasted during embalming, it is time to switch to a multipoint injection.
If significant amounts of arterial solution are being wasted during embalming, it is time to switch to a multipoint injection.
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Post-Embalming purge indicates that the body has already been embalmed.
Post-Embalming purge indicates that the body has already been embalmed.
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Post-Embalming purge is considered a sign of putrefaction, a state of decomposition.
Post-Embalming purge is considered a sign of putrefaction, a state of decomposition.
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A post-embalming purge can create pressure in a body, possibly as a result of decomposition.
A post-embalming purge can create pressure in a body, possibly as a result of decomposition.
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Post-embalming purge can potentially lead to emotional suffering for the family.
Post-embalming purge can potentially lead to emotional suffering for the family.
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Stomach purge is characterized by a highly acidic environment caused by the acidic nature of stomach fluids.
Stomach purge is characterized by a highly acidic environment caused by the acidic nature of stomach fluids.
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Stomach purge is usually a result of a more dehydrated body, causing a highly acidic and concentrated stomach content expulsion.
Stomach purge is usually a result of a more dehydrated body, causing a highly acidic and concentrated stomach content expulsion.
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Stomach purge can potentially cause permanent facial skin staining
Stomach purge can potentially cause permanent facial skin staining
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Lung purge is a common occurrence in individuals who have suffered from pneumonia.
Lung purge is a common occurrence in individuals who have suffered from pneumonia.
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Lung purge is often associated with conditions like drowning, asphyxia, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Lung purge is often associated with conditions like drowning, asphyxia, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Brain purge is a less common occurrence in cases of delayed embalming.
Brain purge is a less common occurrence in cases of delayed embalming.
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Brain purge can be a symptom of infection or trauma to the head
Brain purge can be a symptom of infection or trauma to the head
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Slightly distended eyes can be a sign of intracranial pressure, which may lead to brain purge.
Slightly distended eyes can be a sign of intracranial pressure, which may lead to brain purge.
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Brain purge is characterized by a creamy white consistency.
Brain purge is characterized by a creamy white consistency.
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Brain purge can only occur if the cranial cavity is damaged or compromised.
Brain purge can only occur if the cranial cavity is damaged or compromised.
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Frothy purge is an example of a purge originating from the lungs
Frothy purge is an example of a purge originating from the lungs
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Frothy purge is often characterized by a slightly yellowish color, with a thick, viscous texture.
Frothy purge is often characterized by a slightly yellowish color, with a thick, viscous texture.
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Clear purge refers to arterial solution coming from the nose or mouth.
Clear purge refers to arterial solution coming from the nose or mouth.
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Clear purge is often a sign of putrefaction.
Clear purge is often a sign of putrefaction.
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Clear purge is usually a sign of a vascular rupture.
Clear purge is usually a sign of a vascular rupture.
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Clear purge can happen as a result of needle holes created during mouth closure.
Clear purge can happen as a result of needle holes created during mouth closure.
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Bloody purge is usually a sign of a vascular rupture, usually a vein, that has ruptured.
Bloody purge is usually a sign of a vascular rupture, usually a vein, that has ruptured.
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Coffee grounds purge is a sign of blood mixing with stomach acid.
Coffee grounds purge is a sign of blood mixing with stomach acid.
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Coffee grounds purge is the result of a vascular rupture.
Coffee grounds purge is the result of a vascular rupture.
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When a creamy purge occurs it is an indication that the brain is the source of the purge.
When a creamy purge occurs it is an indication that the brain is the source of the purge.
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Creamy purge is the result of an embalming failure and should be addressed.
Creamy purge is the result of an embalming failure and should be addressed.
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When dealing with creamy purge, the source should be addressed, not just the symptom.
When dealing with creamy purge, the source should be addressed, not just the symptom.
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Accelerated decomposition can lead to purge due to gas build-up in the intestines.
Accelerated decomposition can lead to purge due to gas build-up in the intestines.
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A delay between death and embalming can increase the likelihood of purge due to autolytic changes.
A delay between death and embalming can increase the likelihood of purge due to autolytic changes.
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Drowning is a common cause of lung purge due to fluid buildup.
Drowning is a common cause of lung purge due to fluid buildup.
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Study Notes
Purges: Definition
- Purges are the post-mortem evacuation of substances from orifices due to pressure.
- They usually refer to material exiting the nose and mouth.
- Stomach and lung contents are frequent components.
- A ruptured major blood vessel and arterial solution pushing on internal organs can also cause purges.
Purges: Classification - Time
- Pre-embalming purges occur before embalming.
- Procedures include cleaning lips, nasal aspiration, disinfection, and considering suture mouth closure methods.
- The primary concern during a pre-embalming purge is the potential for dehydration and discoloration of the lips and cheeks if it happens during or after embalming.
Purges: Classification - Embalming
- A clear or false purge is arterial solution coming from the nose or mouth, not from putrefaction, and could be a vascular rupture.
- A bloody purge often indicates a pre-embalming vein rupture, potentially turning to an arterial solution during injection, and requires consideration to ensure proper preservation.
- A coffee grounds purge results from blood mixing with acidic stomach contents, travelling up to the mouth.
Purges: Classification - Consistency
- A frothy purge originates in the lungs from air mixing with fluid.
- It frequently appears as a yellowish consistency with bubbles.
- A creamy purge is a cranial purge; the goal is to treat the source of the purge rather than just its result.
Purges: Classification - Origin - Stomach
- Stomach purges are usually gastrointestinal in nature.
- Hydrochloric acid (pH 2-5) makes these purges highly dehydrating and distorting.
- Stomach contents can sometimes cause facial skin burns.
Purges: Classification - Origin - Lung
- Lung purges occur when fluids and air from the respiratory tract, commonly with pneumonia, drowning, or accidents, are expelled.
- Treatment depends on the volume and timing of the purge.
- Elevate the head if volumes are low and handle high volumes with pressure-relieving procedures in the abdomen (like trocar incision).
Purges: Classification - Origin - Brain
- Cranial purges often present with delayed embalming, suggesting decomposition or head trauma.
- Distended eyes can be a sign of pressured cranial interiors.
- Creamy white consistency in the cranial space indicates sealed cranial vaults and often skull compromise.
Conditions That Promote a Purge
- Accelerated decomposition (gases in intestines pushing on stomach and lungs)
- Weakened blood vessels (rupture during arterial injection)
Delay Between Death & Embalming
- Forces of decomposition decrease with refrigeration.
- Autolytic changes weaken blood vessels.
Special Conditions
- Drowning/Asphyxia: Fluid accumulates in the lungs (edema). WBCs increase to handle irritation/infection.
- Recent Abdominal, Thoracic, or Cranial Surgery: Weakened blood vessels might rupture during injection.
- Tissue Gas: Aggressive decomposition produces gas bubbles obstructing arterial solutions within the vessels, potentially displacing organ contents.
- Esophageal Varices/G.I. Tract Ulcerations/Hemorrhage: Leaks via the mouth, anus, or esophageal structures with common connections to liver ailments.
How to Prevent a Purge
- Avoid excessive massage of the abdomen.
- Avoid delaying drainage.
- Avoid excess pressure and flow rate during embalming.
- Avoid poor injection, drainage, aspiration, and cavity fluid placement in the vessels
- Maintain suitable body posture (head up, hips down) during casketing.
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Description
Explore the definitions and classifications of purges during the embalming process. Understand the various types of purges, their causes, and the necessary procedures that occur before and during embalming. This quiz provides insights into managing purges effectively to prevent complications.
