Forensic Pathology Case Study: The 31-Year-Old Female - Coursework Example

Case Study a) In relation to the forensic pathologist’s observation, the woman consumed alcohol and valium. Although thewoman was previously been assumed dead, this was not the case since the moan was an indication that she was alive, revealing the fact that she had gone into a comatose state. The possible explanation behind this situation is that the woman might have taken a mixture of both valium as well as alcohol, these combinations are fatal and in most cases, apart from death, patients in this situation usually end up dead.

The fact that both alcohol and valium are depressants, they play a role in slowing down the nervous system. Therefore, taking these drugs simultaneously results to the slowing down of the brain in addition to decreasing the heart beat rate and in doing so it lowers blood pressure hence causing lethargy (Alcoholic.org, 2014). According to results of the pathologists, the woman was in a comatose state because of diazepam intoxication and acute ethanol consumption. b) Valium being a benzodiazepine drug, its usage results to depressing the central nervous system, this is the same as what alcohol does.

The combination of alcohol and valium usually forms an interaction of combined drugs, these drugs affect the central nervous system, valium, for instance, enhances alcohol effects in the blood stream, this usually increases the euphoria feelings (Alcoholic.org, 2014). Adverse effects that come alongside consumption of valium and alcohol tend to be more pronounced especially when used together. Some of the effects that come alongside these drugs include dizziness in addition to impaired coordination as well as headaches and nausea (Alcoholic.org, 2014).

Since the woman had consumed these depressants, she became dizzy; this is evident because the car she was driving had crushed in a tree. Since the brain plays a major role of controlling autonomic functions such as breathing as well as the heartbeat, consumption of both alcohol and valium results to increase in concentration, hence affecting the brain and in so doing it changes the manner in which it functions. Effects that come alongside the brain not functioning normally are fatal, apart from risking death; one could also go into a comma.

According to studies, combining of alcohol and valium heightens valium side effects. This drug is usually applicable for sedation purposes and normally comes alongside strict warnings about usage of alcohol.c) After noting that the woman was still alive, quick measures ought to be taken in a move to save the woman; this is because no medication had been initiated since she was found in the forest. The first action is to move the patient from the county morgue to the ICU section of the hospital.

The next step is detoxification in addition to regular therapy; these measures ought to be swift since any delay could result to loss of life. The detoxification process ought to be monitored by professional medical practitioners; this is because of the dangers that may come alongside the side effects of withdrawal (Alcoholic.org, 2014). Placing the patient under therapy is beneficial to the patient since it plays a major role in underlying issues that might have come alongside the initial abuse.

Similarly, the therapy will aid in preventing the occurrence of relapses.References (2014). What are the Effects of Mixing Valium and Alcohol? Alcoholic.org. Retrieved from http://www.alcoholic.org/research/what-are-the-effects-of-mixing-valium-and-alcohol/