BMS Embalming 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During embalming, 'restricted cervical injection' involves:
- Raising both carotid arteries and controlling each side independently (Correct answer)
- Using only the right carotid while blocking the left
- Injecting fluid only into the jugular vein
- Clamping the aorta to redirect flow to the head
Correct answer: Raising both carotid arteries and controlling each side independently
Restricted cervical injection separates head and body circulation so each can receive appropriately formulated solution.
Question 2: Adipocere formation in a decomposed body is characterized by:
- Saponification of body fat into a soap-like substance (Correct answer)
- Mummification of soft tissue due to dryness
- Darkening of tissue from pooled blood
- Rapid liquefaction of internal organs
Correct answer: Saponification of body fat into a soap-like substance
Adipocere (grave wax) forms when anaerobic bacteria convert body fat into fatty acids and soaps in moist conditions.
Question 3: An embalmer notices swelling in the eyelids during injection. The most likely cause is:
- Excessive injection pressure forcing fluid into periorbital tissue (Correct answer)
- Incorrect selection of cavity chemicals
- Insufficient formaldehyde concentration
- Failure to aspirate the thoracic cavity
Correct answer: Excessive injection pressure forcing fluid into periorbital tissue
High injection pressure can drive fluid into delicate periorbital tissues, causing visible swelling around the eyes.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a humectant in embalming fluid?
- To retain moisture and prevent tissue dehydration (Correct answer)
- To increase preservative strength
- To lower the pH of the solution
- To accelerate blood drainage
Correct answer: To retain moisture and prevent tissue dehydration
Humectants are hygroscopic chemicals that attract and hold moisture, keeping embalmed tissue from drying out.
Question 5: The anatomical landmark used to locate the axillary artery for embalming is:
- The lateral border of the pectoralis minor muscle (Correct answer)
- The medial epicondyle of the humerus
- The clavicle midpoint
- The anterior superior iliac spine
Correct answer: The lateral border of the pectoralis minor muscle
The axillary artery lies posterior to the pectoralis minor, serving as the key landmark for its surgical exposure.
Question 6: Pre-injection fluids are used primarily to:
- Flush the vascular system and condition tissue before arterial fluid (Correct answer)
- Replace arterial fluid in light decomposition cases
- Harden tissue rapidly before drainage begins
- Disinfect the skin surface before incision
Correct answer: Flush the vascular system and condition tissue before arterial fluid
Pre-injection solutions dilute and remove blood, open capillaries, and prepare tissues for optimal arterial fluid distribution.
Question 7: When embalming a body with advanced decomposition, the embalmer should prioritize:
- Hypodermic and surface embalming in addition to arterial treatment (Correct answer)
- Higher machine pressure to force fluid through clogged vessels
- Omitting cavity treatment to save time
- Using a low-index fluid to avoid over-firming
Correct answer: Hypodermic and surface embalming in addition to arterial treatment
Decomposition compromises vascular integrity, so hypodermic injection and surface packs supplement poor arterial distribution.
BMS Embalming 4
During embalming, 'restricted cervical injection' involves: