A Case Clue Challenge

The Case Clue Challenge

You’re the funeral director reviewing a case file before embalming. You don’t get a full diagnosis, just clues from the chart and what you see during removal/first assessment. Your job is to connect those clues to the system involved and explain what it means for case prep and presentation.

Step 1: Pick ONE Case File (A, B, or C)

Case A — The Bronze & Puffy Case (Endocrine)

Clues:

·        Unusual bronze discoloration most noticeable around scars/pressure points

·        General fatigue history + weight changes

·        Visible puffiness/edema

Case B — The Skin Tells the Story (Integument)

Clues:

·        Multiple lesions + areas of dryness/scales

·        A history note mentions “possible infection”

·        Family requests open casket; you notice fragile/irritated skin areas

Case C — The Swollen Nodes & Wasting (Lymphatic)

Clues:

·        Noticeable enlarged lymph nodes and/or enlarged spleen

·        History of weight loss, itching, night sweats, or fever

·        Significant fluid disruption (edema/dehydration) noted in chart

Step 2: Your Initial Post (3 parts)

Use headings or numbers.

1) Name the system + most likely condition/process

Pick one condition/process from the chapters that best fits your case (examples: Addison’s disease / myxedema / diabetes complications; abscess).

2) Explain the “why” using 2–3 clues

Connect the clues to the condition using correct course terms.
(Example idea: endocrine disorders often involve edema/discoloration/circulatory disturbances)

3) Prep Room Plan: 2–3 decisions you’d make

Give 2–3 practical actions tied to your case (distribution/drainage strategy, chemical selection, surface embalming, odor control).
Be specific about what you’d prioritize first and why.