Mortuary Science & Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mortuary Science & Procedures flashcards as text
Which PPE is specifically required when embalming a body known to have tuberculosis?
Answer: N95 respirator mask in addition to standard PPE
An N95 or higher respirator must be worn in addition to standard PPE when working with remains of individuals who had active tuberculosis due to airborne transmission risk.
What is 'formaldehyde gray' in embalming?
Answer: Grayish discoloration of embalmed tissue from excessive formaldehyde concentration
Formaldehyde gray is an undesirable ashen-gray skin discoloration caused by using excessively high-index embalming fluid or over-embalming.
Which document authorizes the funeral home to embalm and take custody of human remains?
Answer: Authorization to embalm signed by next of kin or legal authority
Written authorization from the legally responsible next of kin or authorized agent must be obtained before embalming, as embalming without authorization can constitute unlawful mutilation.
What is the purpose of pre-injection fluid used in embalming?
Answer: To flush the vascular system and improve subsequent arterial fluid distribution
Pre-injection fluid is used before the arterial chemical to flush blood from vessels, reduce intravascular resistance, and improve distribution of the main preservative fluid.
In mortuary science, what does 'algor mortis' describe?
Answer: The gradual cooling of the body after death
Algor mortis is the postmortem reduction in body temperature as the body equilibrates to the ambient environmental temperature after death.
Which chemical is primarily responsible for the preservative action in most arterial embalming fluids?
Answer: Formaldehyde (formalin)
Formaldehyde is the primary active preservative in most arterial embalming fluids, cross-linking proteins to inhibit decomposition.
What is the term for postmortem blood discoloration visible through the skin on dependent body surfaces?
Answer: Livor mortis (postmortem lividity)
Livor mortis is the reddish-purple discoloration caused by blood pooling by gravity in the dependent (lowest) areas of the body after circulation stops.