Embalming Purges: Definitions and Classifications
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Questions and Answers

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.

True (A)

What is the biggest problem associated with purge during or following embalming?

  • It can lead to discoloration of lips and cheeks.
  • It can cause dehydration.
  • It can prevent proper arterial injection.
  • Both A and B (correct)

What is the first step to take in handling a pre-embalming purge?

<p>All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Embalming purge is less of a concern if it is minor and not causing significant circulation issues.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If significant amounts of arterial solution are being wasted during embalming, it is time to switch to a multipoint injection.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Post-Embalming purge indicates that the body has already been embalmed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Brain purge is a less common occurrence in cases of delayed embalming.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.

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Frothy purge is an example of a purge originating from the lungs

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Frothy purge is often characterized by a slightly yellowish color, with a thick, viscous texture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clear purge refers to arterial solution coming from the nose or mouth.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clear purge is often a sign of putrefaction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clear purge is usually a sign of a vascular rupture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clear purge can happen as a result of needle holes created during mouth closure.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bloody purge is usually a sign of a vascular rupture, usually a vein, that has ruptured.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coffee grounds purge is a sign of blood mixing with stomach acid.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coffee grounds purge is the result of a vascular rupture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a creamy purge occurs it is an indication that the brain is the source of the purge.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Creamy purge is the result of an embalming failure and should be addressed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with creamy purge, the source should be addressed, not just the symptom.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Accelerated decomposition can lead to purge due to gas build-up in the intestines.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A delay between death and embalming can increase the likelihood of purge due to autolytic changes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Drowning is a common cause of lung purge due to fluid buildup.

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Flashcards

Purge Definition

Post-mortem evacuation of substances from body orifices due to pressure.

Purge Location

Typically from nose or mouth, but can involve other orifices.

Purge Contents

Often stomach or lung contents, but arterial solution may also push out.

Pre-Embalming Purge

Purge before embalming. Clean and disinfect nose, mouth.

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Embalming Purge (Minor)

Small amount – continue injection, cream face; observe circulation.

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Embalming Purge (Significant)

Large amount – switch to multipoint injection, hypo-inject torso.

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Post-Embalming Purge

Indicates embalming failure – putrefaction.

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Post-Embalming Purge Handling

Remove body from container, re-evaluate, re-inject, and potentially re-clean.

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Purge Classification: Time

Categorizes purge events as pre-embalming, during embalming, or post-embalming.

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Purge Classification: Origin

Classifies purge based on the organ of origin (stomach, lungs, brain).

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Stomach Purge

Often gastrointestinal; highly dehydrating and corrosive.

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Lung Purge

From respiratory tract; common in various conditions.

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Lung Purge (Volume)

Slight - elevate head; large - trocar incision to relieve pressure.

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Brain Purge

Cranial purge; often delayed embalming or trauma.

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Brain Purge (Consistency)

Creamy white from compromised skull due to trauma or disease.

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Frothy Purge

From lungs; air and fluid from alveoli.

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Clear/False Purge

Arterial solution from a vascular rupture, or from needle holes.

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Bloody Purge

From vascular rupture (likely a vein); may become arterial solution.

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Coffee Ground Purge

Gastrointestinal; blood mixed with stomach acid.

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Creamy Purge

Cranial purge; consistency like cream.

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Purge Classification: Consistency

Categorizes purge based on texture (frothy, clear, bloody, creamy).

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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.

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