Embalming 2 Chapter 23: Effects of Drugs on the Embalming Process

*2 ways to render proteins resistant to attack by catalytic enzymes are?*

*(1) The proteins themselves can be treated so that they are no longer susceptible to the action of proteolytic enzymes* *(2) The enzymes themselves can be so changed or inactivated that they cannot exert catalytic action on other proteins*

*An average, 150lb body contains how many grams of protein?*

-10,700 grams of proteins

*What is the millicurie limit for an unautopsied body?*

-30mCi

*100g of protein requires how much formaldehyde preservative?*

-4.4 g of formaldehyde

*What is the millicurie limit for an autopsied body?*

-5mCi

*Outside of physiological changes, what is the second largest general problem that can arise?*

-A change in permeability of cell membranes is also another large player in causing complications

*Who should you contact if you have questions regarding embalming radioactive remains?*

-A radiation treatment officer.

*MILLICURIE*

-Amount of radioactive material in which 37 million atoms disintegrate each second

*Examples of Stimulants*

-Amphetamines, cocaine, phenmetrazine

*Examples of Sedatives*

-Barbiturates, secobarbital, meprobamate

*What two common materials in the body cause chelating problems? (What type of ions)*

-Calcium and Magnesium ions

*Describe problems of anti-diabetic drugs?*

-Circulatory disorders , Acidosis sometimes occurs which causes high lactic acid buildup in muscles which can firm rapidly unless an alkaline coinjection is used (water corrective, clot reducer)

*What are some common radioactive isotopes?*

-Cobalt 60 -Iodine 131 -Phosphorous 32 -Radium 226 -Gold 198 -Strontium 89

*How can the circulatory system become impaired by drugs?*

-Complications can include formation, lysis of the blood cells, or extensive damage to the walls of the vessels.

*What are the two general skin discolorations caused by blood?* *What process causes these discolorations? (Autolysis, etc.)*

-Ecchymosis and purpura are the most frequent. -These are as a result of lysis of the blood cells

*For every how many feet does exposure drop significantly?*

-Every 3 feet

*Describe steps you can take with the three precautions when embalming radioactive remains. Distance*

-Every 3 feet exposure is reduced substiantially -When not actually performing embalming stand away from the remains -Constant flow of water underneath the body -Use of body bridges recommended - Cover as much of the area as possible with sheeting that can be disposed of later -Gloves should be frequently washed with soap and water -Use forceps and spong/sheeting to clean up any spills immediately

*Describe final cleanup after embalming radioactive remains?*

-Flush instruments with running water,then soak in good soap and rinse again. -Disposable matter and gloves should be collected and incinerated in appropriate containers. -Gowns, towels, clothing should be monitored and stored until suitable decay has occurred before being sent to laundry. -The radiation officer can give you times for storage. If you get any material from the body into an open wound, laceration or lesion you should flush with water and consult the radiation officer. -Follow any other instructions from the radiation officer, This may delay cavity injection. -Use normal arterial fluid for the case you are handling, radiation does not effect preservation.

*CHELATING*

-Have an affinity for metallic ions, particularly calcium and magnesium

*Besides the liver, what other major organ(s) does drugs used in treatment go through?*

-Kidneys

*What is the main detoxification center of the body?*

-Liver

*Examples of Antidepressants*

-Methylphenidate, imipramine

*LABILE*

-Molecules break down quite rapidly even without bacterial action.

*What is meant by multi-agent chemotherapy

-Multiple drugs that are used to treat patients.

*Nitrogenous wastes will do what when they encounter formaldehyde?*

-Neutralized

*Is there even an 'ideal' case in embalming?*

-No it will be impossible to find a patient that hasn't been treated, at a minimum, by at least one drug (baby aspirin)

*CYOTOXIC*

-One that kills the cancer cell directly

*ANTIMETABOLITE*

-One that slowly "starves" the cancer cell by depriving it of a needed nutrient.

*Examples of Narcotics

-Opiates (opium, heroin, morphine)

*Examples of Tranquilizers*

-Phenothiazines, prochlorperazine, reserpine, chlordiazepoxide, diazepan

*what other problems caused by chemotherapy can we encounter? (Chemical, physiological, physiognomical, etc?)*

-Physiologically the longer the drug is taken, the more intense the problems encountered by the embalmer. - Chemical reactions between drugs in the tissues and the embalming fluid

*3 precautions when dealing with radioactivity?*

-Protection -Time of exposure -distance

*How many general categories of mood altering drugs are there?*

-Roughly 5 classes

*Describe steps you can take with the three precautions when embalming radioactive remains. Time of exposure*

-Shortest possible time should be employed -Work in pairs if possible -Have instruments ready for use and fluids mixed prior to exposure - Avoid raising vessels where radioactive seeds are placed

*Progesterone (and its derivatives) have what type of effect on the body?*

-Similar effect as cortisone

*ENZYME*

-Specialized proteins that are endowed with a physiochemical structure that allows catalytic activity. Proteins that break down proteins

*The 'magic bullet' began with what disease?

-Syphilis

*Neutralization of formaldehyde results in what compound?* *About what percentage of all problems encountered by embalmers arise from this compound according to your text?*

-The neutralization of formaldehyde by ammonia to form hexamethylene is the cause of 90% of all embalming problems

*Problems caused by drugs are caused by the drug itself in the body or the physiological effect of the body?*

-The physiological effect of the drug on the body is what causes the complications

*How do drugs affect blood?*

-They change the biochemical constituents of the blood

*Corticosteroids have what type of effect on enzymes?*

-They protect the enzymes of the body and render them difficult to inactivate which, in turns, means they will decompose regularly and cause a body to decompose.

*What 2 drugs are used for anti-diabetic treatments?*

-Tolbutamide and chlorpropamide.

*CHEMOTHERAPY*

-Treatment of disease with chemical agents and drugs

*What is the prescribed treatment to corticosteroids?*

-Use of surfactants to restore permeability is recommended with stronger than average fluids

*Describe steps you can take with the three precautions when embalming radioactive remains. Protection*

-Wear rubber gloves (two pairs if possible), Heavy rubber apron, Standard PPEs

*Describe the effects of major drugs: Coricosteroids*

-Work by suppressing the immunological response, decreases the permeability of the cell membrane. -Chronic use may result in gastrointestistinal ulcerations with possible perforations of the guy which can develop into ulcerative colitis and dehydration of the body.

*Can drugs damage the blood vascular system?*

-Yes

*Is it routine to prescribe more than one drug in a treatment?*

-Yes it is routine for physicians to prescribe two or more antibiotics at the same time.

*Are all chemotherapeutic agents toxic?*

-Yes this is a universal rule applicable to all drugs

*If a body contained no microbes, would it still break down? Why?*

-Yes, because the enzymes in the cells and tissues of the body would still be fully active and capable of causing the breakdown of tissue proteins

*What is the symbol for millicurie?*

-mCi