Autopsy
Autopsy Plan
Step 1. As you investigate the sites linked, take notes or outline the steps of a general qutopsy. Keep in mind the following questions:
a. Are there steps in the autopsy that are optional or not always performed?
b. What steps are always performed in an autopsy?
Step 2. Once you have created an outline of a general autopsy, establish criteria that will be used to determine what major parts of the body will need to be examined during an autopsy. Remember, that these criteria need to be based on BOTH the family consent and clinical history.
a. How will you decide if the brain should be examined?
b. Will there be any dissection of the extremities?
c. Will all the organs of the trunk be examined? When might only the abdominal organs be examined? Just the thoracic organs?
Step 3. Read the case history for this patient. Using the criteria developed in step 3, adjust your outline to reflect how THIS autopsy will proceed. Keep some of the following questions in mind:
a. What happens to the body before any incisions are made?
b. Which parts of the body need to be examined on this patient?
c. What types of samples (tissue, organ, fluid) need to be taken from this patient?
d. How (and in what order) will the organs be removed?
e. Once the organs are removed, how will they be examined?
f. Once the organs are removed, what happens to the body?
Step 3. What safety procedures should be taken by the pathologist and autopsy assistants to protect themselves?
Step 4. Based on the patient history, make notes about what organs you think might have abnormalities.
Step 5. Formalize your autopsy plan. Write it so you could give the plan to an autopsy technician and he or she could proceed with the autopsy procedures without needing you to clarify any of your steps. Your plan should have a purpose for the autopsy and the methods to be used. Remember that recording data and maintaining safety are important parts of this procedure. Use WORD to write your plan. Make sure your name/names are on your plan. Upload your plan to MOODLE.