BMS Embalming 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Edematous cases present excess interstitial fluid. The embalmer should:
- Use a high-index, low-humectant fluid and restrict drainage (Correct answer)
- Use a standard dilution with maximum drainage
- Avoid arterial embalming and rely solely on cavity treatment
- Use a high-humectant fluid to draw in more moisture
Correct answer: Use a high-index, low-humectant fluid and restrict drainage
High-index fluid provides stronger preservation, and limiting humectant reduces additional moisture retention in already waterlogged tissue.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes secondary dilution in embalming?
- Dilution of arterial fluid by interstitial fluids already in the body (Correct answer)
- The embalmer adding extra water at the machine
- Re-injection with a weaker solution after firming
- Dilution of cavity fluid before aspiration
Correct answer: Dilution of arterial fluid by interstitial fluids already in the body
Secondary dilution occurs when body fluids mix with and weaken the injected arterial solution within tissues.
Question 3: The femoral artery is commonly selected for injection when:
- The face must remain undisturbed for viewing or autopsy restrictions (Correct answer)
- The body is freshly deceased with no complications
- Only cavity embalming is required
- The decedent has significant edema in the lower extremities
Correct answer: The face must remain undisturbed for viewing or autopsy restrictions
Using the femoral artery keeps the incision away from the visible neck area, preserving a clean presentation.
Question 4: What does a 'high index' arterial fluid mean?
- It has a higher percentage of formaldehyde by volume (Correct answer)
- It contains more humectants than standard fluid
- It has a lower pH than standard fluid
- It is diluted more than standard concentration fluid
Correct answer: It has a higher percentage of formaldehyde by volume
The index number indicates the percentage of formaldehyde in the concentrate; higher index equals stronger preservative action.
Question 5: Jaundice in a decedent causes embalming challenges primarily because:
- Bilirubin discolors tissue and may react with formaldehyde to deepen the yellow color (Correct answer)
- It accelerates arterial distribution
- It causes the blood to thicken and block drainage
- It softens bones, complicating positioning
Correct answer: Bilirubin discolors tissue and may react with formaldehyde to deepen the yellow color
Formaldehyde can intensify jaundiced discoloration, so embalmers must use special bleaching or co-injection chemicals.
Question 6: Which structure is ligated during embalming to control drainage?
- The jugular vein (Correct answer)
- The femoral nerve
- The thoracic duct
- The subclavian artery
Correct answer: The jugular vein
The internal or external jugular vein is often ligated after drainage is complete to prevent leakage.
Question 7: Cavity fluid is typically much higher in formaldehyde index than arterial fluid because:
- Organs are dense and poorly perfused, requiring stronger preservation (Correct answer)
- Cavity fluid must also serve as a disinfectant for the room
- It is diluted by organ contents before taking effect
- Regulations require higher concentration for abdominal use
Correct answer: Organs are dense and poorly perfused, requiring stronger preservation
Solid organs resist chemical penetration, so concentrated cavity fluid is needed to achieve adequate preservation.
BMS Embalming 3
Edematous cases present excess interstitial fluid.
The embalmer should: