Embalming: Sample Questions

Question 1

A process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, to retard organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance is:

Answer 1

Embalming

Question 2

The irreversible cessation of all vital functions is:

Answer 2

Death

Question 3

Those changes occurring in the interval prior to somatic death are:

Answer 3

Antemortem

Question 4

A sharp cutting instrument used for making incisions is the:

Answer 4

Scalpel

Question 5

That consideration given to the dead body, prior to, during and after the embalming procedure is complete is:

Answer 5

Case analysis

Question 6

An imaginary line drawn on the surface of the skin to represent the approximate location of some deeper underlying structure is the:

Answer 6

Linear guide

Question 7

Injection and drainage from one location is called:

Answer 7

One point injection

Question 8

Chemicals which inactivate saprophytic bacteria are called:

Answer 8

Preservative

Question 9

The movement of embalming solutions from the point of injection throughout the arterial system and into the capillaries is called:

Answer 9

Distribution

Question 10

This embalming method consists of injecting a few ounces of arterial chemical, stopping injection, then draining for a few minutes, and then repeating the process:

Answer 10

Alternate

Question 11

This is a term used to refer to the after-death examination of the organs and tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological conditions:

Answer 11

Postmortem

Question 12

Any abnormal color appearing in or upon the human body is called:

Answer 12

Discoloration

Question 13

A needle injector is used for this purpose:

Answer 13

Mouth closure

Question 14

Content normally aspirated from the stomach:

Answer 14

Hydrochloric acid

Question 15

When death has been due to pneumonia, an embalmer should expect:

Answer 15

Thoracic congestion and increased blood viscosity

Question 16

The Formaldehyde Standard for short-term exposure to formaldehyde is:

Answer 16

2 ppm/15 minutes

Question 17

Signs of death exhibited by the eyes of the deceased include:

Answer 17

• Clouding of the cornea and flattening of the eyeball
• Loss of luster of the conjunctiva
• Pupil dilation and non-response to light

Question 18

Another name for pleural effusion is:

Answer 18

Hydrothorax

Question 19

Proteolysis refers to decomposition of:

Answer 19

Proteins

Question 20

Which conditions would require special attention during thoracic cavity embalming?

Answer 20

• Hydrothorax

* Hydropericardium

Question 21

Discoloration resulting when formaldehyde reacts with hemoglobin in the tissues is called:

Answer 21

Formaldehyde grey

Question 22

Severe generalized edema is known as:

Answer 22

Anasarca

Question 23

Escape of blood serum from an intravascular to an extravascular location immediately before death is:

Answer 23

Agonal edema

Question 24

Low index fluids used to inhibit bilirubin from turning to biliverdin are known as:

Answer 24

Jaundice fluids

Question 25

Chemicals that create an increased capability for embalmed tissues to retain their moisture are called:

Answer 25

Humectants

Question 26

How many ounces of formaldehyde are contained in a 16-ounce bottle of 25 index arterial fluid?

Answer 26

4 ounces