BMS Embalming and Restorative Arts 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'index' refer to when applied to arterial embalming chemicals?
- The percentage of formaldehyde or preservative chemical in the concentrated fluid (Correct answer)
- The recommended injection pressure in PSI
- The pH level of the embalming solution
- The dilution ratio of fluid to water
Correct answer: The percentage of formaldehyde or preservative chemical in the concentrated fluid
The index of an arterial fluid refers to the percentage of formaldehyde (or equivalent preservative) in the concentrated solution before dilution.
Question 2: Which restorative technique is used to close and seal the mouth when suturing is not desired?
- Mandible suture through the nasal septum
- Mouth former with needle injector wires through the maxilla and mandible (Correct answer)
- Superglue along the lip margins only
- Cotton packing between the teeth
Correct answer: Mouth former with needle injector wires through the maxilla and mandible
A needle injector drives barbed wires into the maxilla and mandible, anchoring them and holding the mouth closed without visible suturing.
Question 3: Purge during embalming most commonly originates from:
- Stomach and lungs due to gas pressure or incomplete aspiration (Correct answer)
- Arterial fluid leaking from injection sites
- Decomposed bone marrow escaping through fractures
- Lymphatic fluid overflow from thoracic duct
Correct answer: Stomach and lungs due to gas pressure or incomplete aspiration
Purge is the expulsion of gas, fluid, or decomposition matter from the nose or mouth, most commonly originating from stomach or lung contents under gas pressure.
Question 4: A body with severe trauma to the right side of the face would be best positioned in the casket with:
- Right side turned slightly away from viewers to present the less-damaged left profile (Correct answer)
- Full face-forward position with extensive wax restoration
- Left side toward the casket wall to hide damage entirely
- Head elevated and tilted to distribute shadow over the affected area
Correct answer: Right side turned slightly away from viewers to present the less-damaged left profile
Rotating the casket presentation so the undamaged side faces viewers minimizes visibility of trauma while still allowing viewing.
Question 5: The primary function of a humectant in an embalming fluid is to:
- Retain moisture in tissues to prevent dehydration and wrinkling (Correct answer)
- Increase the germicidal action of formaldehyde
- Accelerate the rate of arterial fluid distribution
- Neutralize the odor of decomposition gases
Correct answer: Retain moisture in tissues to prevent dehydration and wrinkling
Humectants such as glycerin attract and retain water in embalmed tissues, helping prevent excessive dehydration and maintaining a natural skin appearance.
Question 6: Which artery is the most commonly used primary injection site for routine embalming?
- Femoral artery
- Right common carotid artery (Correct answer)
- Brachial artery
- Axillary artery
Correct answer: Right common carotid artery
The right common carotid artery is the most frequently selected primary injection site because it is accessible, large, and allows excellent head and facial distribution.
Question 7: When is hypodermic embalming most indicated?
- When areas are inaccessible to arterial distribution, such as localized sclerosis or trauma (Correct answer)
- As the first step in all embalming procedures before arterial injection
- Exclusively for infant embalming cases
- When formaldehyde allergy is suspected in the embalmer
Correct answer: When areas are inaccessible to arterial distribution, such as localized sclerosis or trauma
Hypodermic injection of embalming chemicals directly into tissues is used when arterial distribution cannot reach specific areas due to blockage, trauma, or vascular damage.
BMS Embalming and Restorative Arts 3
What does the term 'index' refer to when applied to arterial embalming chemicals?