Midterm Review
In the late 1100's in medieval England, coroners were called this
What is a 'Crowner'
Often called a startle reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, throws out his or her arms and legs, cries...
What is the Moro Reflex?
Wisconsin State Statutes that pertain to death investigation
What are 979, DHS 135, 440.70, 69.18...
The disease or injury that led to a person's death.
What is cause of death
Investigate all sudden, unexpected or unusual deaths to provide timely, accurate and legally defensible determinations as to the manner and cause of death.
What is the role of the medical examiner's office?
Fetal development of 20 weeks or more
What is the stage of development where a fetal demise could be reportable to the medical examiner's office?
stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his or her fingers in a grasp. This reflex lasts only a couple of months and is stronger in premature babies.
What is the grasp reflex?
Two examples of accidental death
What are drowning, multiple blunt force injuries, brain bleed, etc.
The category the death is classified into / how the death came about.
What is manner of death?
Provides medical examiner and coroner's offices in Wisconsin the parameters for reportable death and when to retain/release medicolegal jurisdiction.
What is Wisconsin State Statute 979.01?
What are fingeprints, dental, X-rays, in-person, DNA
The walking dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his or her feet touching a solid surface.
What is the strep reflex?
Four essential job duties a medicolegal death investigator performs
what are type reports, investigate deaths, collect evidence, establish positive identification, locate and notify next of kin of death, scene photography, body examination, etc.
Placental Abruption
What is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall too early
when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe bends back toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out. This is a normal reflex until the child is about 2 years old.
What is the babinski reflex?
Provide two examples of natural deaths
What are diabetes, Parkinson's disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, etc.
When a baby’s head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the “fencing” position. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 6 to 7 months old.
Tonic neck reflex
When the roof of the baby’s mouth is touched with the breast or bottle nipple, the baby will begin to suck. This reflex does not begin until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability, because they are born prior to the development of this reflex. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that accompanies rooting and sucking and may suck on their fingers or hands.
What is the suck reflex?
Two examples Cause of death that can be considered homicide
What are gunshot wound, sharp force injuries, etc.
The unexplained death of a baby usually under 1-year-of-age. Often occurs during sleep. Some sleep factors are sleeping on side or stomach, sleeping on a soft surface, sharing a bed, and overheating.
What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Umbilical cord problems
What is when the umbilical cord is knotted or squeezed the fetus is not able to get enough oxygen?
When the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched the baby turns their head and opens their mouth to follow the direction of the stroking.
What is the root reflex?
The decedent, artifacts near the decedent, and objects/things that relate to the probable cause and manner of death.
What are things under medical examiner jurisdiction?
Intrauterine fetal demise
What is the death of a fetus during pregnancy?
The effect of blood pooling after death. Blood pools dependent to gravity because it is no longer circulating within the body. This will cause a pink coloration to areas absent of pressure. Does not fix until 12 hours after death.
What is lividity?