BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Embalming and Mortuary Chemistry Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An embalmer is preparing a solution for a case exhibiting significant dehydration and emaciation. Which type of modifying agent should be prioritized in the arterial fluid mixture to help restore a more natural, hydrated appearance?
- Humectants (Correct answer)
- Buffers
- Anti-edemic agents
- Surfactants
Correct answer: Humectants
Humectants are chemicals added to embalming solutions to retain moisture and combat dehydration. They work by adding and retaining moisture, which helps to fill out and soften tissues, making them ideal for dehydrated and emaciated cases. Buffers regulate pH, anti-edemic agents draw fluid out, and surfactants reduce surface tension for better distribution.
Question 2: What is the primary mechanism by which formaldehyde preserves tissues during embalming?
- Hydrating the cells through osmosis
- Lowering the tissue pH to an acidic state
- Fixing proteins by cross-linking amino groups (Correct answer)
- Dissolving cellular lipids and fats
Correct answer: Fixing proteins by cross-linking amino groups
Formaldehyde preserves tissue by cross-linking proteins. It reacts with the primary amine groups in proteins, irreversibly connecting them to nearby nitrogen atoms. This process, known as fixation or denaturation, makes the proteins unsuitable as a nutrient source for bacteria and firms the tissue.
Question 3: An arterial fluid is labeled with an 'index' of 25. What does this number represent?
- The total percentage of active ingredients in the bottle.
- The number of ounces of formaldehyde gas per gallon of fluid.
- The percentage of formaldehyde gas by volume in 100mL of solution. (Correct answer)
- The recommended dilution ratio for an average case.
Correct answer: The percentage of formaldehyde gas by volume in 100mL of solution.
The 'index' of an embalming fluid refers to the percentage of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100 milliliters of the solution. A higher index indicates a stronger, more potent preservative solution. For example, a 25-index fluid contains 25 grams of formaldehyde gas per 100mL of fluid.
Question 4: During arterial injection, the embalmer notices the pH of the tissues is highly acidic due to delayed embalming. Which accessory chemical is most appropriate to add to the solution to ensure optimal preservation by formaldehyde?
- A surfactant
- A buffer (Correct answer)
- A humectant
- A dye
Correct answer: A buffer
Buffers are chemicals that resist changes in pH. Formaldehyde works most effectively in a slightly alkaline environment. In cases where decomposition has begun, the body's tissues become acidic. Adding a buffer to the arterial solution helps to neutralize this acidity, creating a more favorable pH for formaldehyde to react with proteins and achieve proper fixation.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a primary function of a surfactant in an embalming solution?
- Reducing the surface tension of the fluid
- Promoting better diffusion into tissues
- Helping to clear blood from capillaries
- Adding a significant amount of preservative power (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Adding a significant amount of preservative power
Surfactants, or surface tension reducing agents, are included in embalming fluids to lower the surface tension, which allows for better flow, penetration, and distribution of the preservative solution throughout the vascular system and into the tissues. While they are crucial for the effectiveness of the embalming process, they do not contribute directly to the preservative or fixation action in the way that aldehydes like formaldehyde do.
Question 6: An embalmer is treating a body that has been deceased for several days and is showing early signs of decomposition, including a strong odor. To neutralize the ammonia and other nitrogenous waste products that interfere with formaldehyde, the embalmer should ensure the fluid contains:
- Glutaraldehyde
- Phenol
- A masking fragrance
- A high index of formaldehyde (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A high index of formaldehyde
Nitrogenous wastes, such as ammonia, are by-products of decomposition that neutralize formaldehyde, reducing its preservative effect. To overcome this, a higher concentration of formaldehyde (a high-index fluid) is required to satisfy the nitrogen demand and still have enough formaldehyde available to fixate tissues. While other chemicals have their roles, the primary chemical solution to formaldehyde neutralization by ammonia is to increase the amount of formaldehyde.
BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Embalming and Mortuary Chemistry Questions and Answers
An embalmer is preparing a solution for a case exhibiting significant dehydration and emaciation.
Which type of modifying agent should be prioritized in the arterial fluid mixture to help restore a more natural, hydrated appearance?