BMS Embalming 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency regulates formaldehyde exposure limits for funeral home workers?
- OSHA (Correct answer)
- EPA
- CDC
- FDA
Correct answer: OSHA
OSHA sets the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde at 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Question 2: The 'one-point injection, one-point drainage' technique is most appropriate for:
- A fresh, unautopsied adult with no vascular complications (Correct answer)
- A severely decomposed body with multiple vessel blockages
- An autopsied case with removed organs
- An edematous case requiring restricted drainage
Correct answer: A fresh, unautopsied adult with no vascular complications
Simple single-point injection and drainage is efficient and sufficient when the vascular system is intact and uncompromised.
Question 3: In an autopsied body, organs are often returned to the cavity in a:
- Viscera bag saturated with cavity fluid (Correct answer)
- Separate sealed container buried with the casket
- Thoracic tray packed with dry ice
- Standard plastic bag without chemical treatment
Correct answer: Viscera bag saturated with cavity fluid
A viscera bag allows the removed organs to be preserved with cavity chemicals and returned neatly to the body cavity.
Question 4: Livor mortis that has become 'fixed' means:
- The pooled blood has hemolyzed and stained tissue, making the discoloration permanent (Correct answer)
- Blood has dried and blocked all vessels in the dependent regions
- Decomposition gases have migrated into dependent areas
- The body has been refrigerated, halting all color changes
Correct answer: The pooled blood has hemolyzed and stained tissue, making the discoloration permanent
Fixed livor occurs when hemolysis releases hemoglobin that diffuses into and permanently stains surrounding tissue.
Question 5: Which embalming chemical classification includes buffers, surfactants, and anticoagulants?
- Supplemental/co-injection chemicals (Correct answer)
- Preservative chemicals
- Disinfectant chemicals
- Hardening compounds
Correct answer: Supplemental/co-injection chemicals
Supplemental chemicals improve fluid performance by conditioning blood, reducing surface tension, and preventing clot formation.
Question 6: Surface embalming of the face using an autopsy gel or pack is indicated when:
- Arterial distribution to the face is inadequate and discoloration or dehydration is present (Correct answer)
- The nose needs to be reshaped cosmetically
- Standard arterial embalming has produced over-firming of facial tissue
- The family requests a closed-casket service
Correct answer: Arterial distribution to the face is inadequate and discoloration or dehydration is present
When arterial fluid fails to reach the face properly, surface chemicals applied topically provide necessary preservation and color correction.
Question 7: The term 'embalming analysis' refers to:
- Assessing the condition of the body before embalming to plan the appropriate technique (Correct answer)
- Recording the chemicals used after embalming is complete
- Calculating the correct volume of fluid post-injection
- Analyzing drainage fluid for signs of disease
Correct answer: Assessing the condition of the body before embalming to plan the appropriate technique
Pre-embalming analysis evaluates factors like body weight, condition, cause of death, and vascular status to guide chemical selection and technique.
BMS Embalming 5
Which federal agency regulates formaldehyde exposure limits for funeral home workers?