Compresses (Q3)

Question 1

What is a compress?

Answer 1

• Material used to apply pressure or chemical to tissue over a period of time
• Material is usually cotton

Question 2

Uses for Compresses

Answer 2

1. Preservation
2. Bleaching
3. Pressure
4. Moisture retention

Question 3

Preservation

Answer 3

Compresses for preservation are used when extra preservation is needed on the surface of a particular area
- May use: cavity fluid, phenol, arterial fluid, autopsy gel

Question 4

What happens when cavity fluid is used on a compress?

Answer 4

• Will preserve and may bleach slightly (strong and fast)

Question 5

What happens when phenol is used on a compress?

Answer 5

• Will preserve and will bleach- turn the skin gray or white (strong and fast)

Question 6

What happens when arterial fluid is used on a compress?

Answer 6

• Will preserve and may tint from dye in fluid, may have hydrating properties (slower, not as strong)

Question 7

What happens when autopsy gel is used on a compress?

Answer 7

• will preserve but usually does not bleach or tint
  (slower, weaker, good for delicate situations)

Question 8

Bleaching

Answer 8

• Use to bleach out discoloration like bruising and post-mortem stain
• Use Phenol (also has strong preservation properties)

Question 9

Pressure

Answer 9

• Use to reduce swelling, usually on eyes/eyelids
• Do not use a chemical, only water

Question 10

Moisture Retention

Answer 10

• Use to make dehydrated tissue more pliable
• Use a humectant or a mixture of a humectant and surfactant

Question 11

Steps for using a compress

Answer 11

• place cotton of specific size to fit over area needing compress, then using a syringe (without a needle) apply chemical to the cotton.
• Cover the cotton with plastic to prevent the chemical from evaporating and to minimize fumes.
• If using “pressure” compress, just soak a large amount of cotton with water and place on needed area.
• Wait - give it time to work, often overnight
• Monitor - check on it often to make sure it’s not too much
• Remove - once it’s satisfactory remove the compress

Question 12

When should compress be used?

Answer 12

• Can apply compresses before, during, and after embalming
• Best time is after the embalming
• preservative compresses should only be applied after the embalming