BMS Funeral Service Microbiology and Pathology 3

Question 1

Autolysis in postmortem tissue is primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

Release of intracellular lysosomal enzymes

Answer

Autolysis is self-digestion of cells caused by release of lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes after cell death, independent of bacteria.

Question 2

Which blood-borne pathogen has the highest environmental stability and can survive on dry surfaces for up to seven days?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B Virus

Answer

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) can persist on environmental surfaces for up to 7 days, making it a significant occupational exposure risk for embalmers.

Question 3

Caseous necrosis, characterized by a cheese-like gross appearance, is most classically associated with which disease process?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Caseous necrosis is a form of coagulative necrosis with cheese-like consistency, most characteristic of granulomas in tuberculosis.

Question 4

Which personal protective equipment is specifically recommended when embalming a decedent known to have active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

N95 respirator or higher

Answer

An N95 or higher respirator is required when working with TB-positive decedents to prevent inhalation of aerosolized Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Question 5

Livor mortis is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Pooling of blood in dependent vessels due to gravity after circulation ceases

Answer

Livor mortis (hypostasis) results from gravitational settling of blood into dependent capillaries and venules after the heart stops.

BMS - Bachelor of Mortuary Science Practice Test