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
When performing embalming on a body with a pacemaker, what is the primary concern?
Answer: Pacemakers may explode during cremation if not removed
Pacemakers and other implanted electronic devices can explode when subjected to the extreme heat of cremation, requiring removal before cremation proceeds.
Which suture technique is most commonly used to close incisions made during embalming?
Answer: Baseball suture
The baseball suture (also called the worm suture) is commonly used in embalming to close incisions because it creates a tight, leak-resistant closure.
What is the term for the instrument used to aspirate gases and liquids from body cavities during embalming?
Answer: Trocar
A trocar is the long, hollow, pointed instrument connected to an aspirator that is used to puncture and aspirate the contents of body cavities.
Which type of drainage is considered most effective for removing blood during arterial embalming?
Answer: Intermittent drainage
Intermittent drainage, where drainage is periodically stopped and restarted, is generally considered most effective because it allows better fluid distribution and prevents premature drainage of injected chemicals.
What is 'saponification' in the context of postmortem changes?
Answer: Formation of a waxy soap-like substance from body fat (adipocere)
Saponification (adipocere formation) is the conversion of body fat into a grayish-white, waxy, soap-like substance under moist anaerobic conditions.
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, human remains are classified as:
Answer: Other potentially infectious material (OPIM)
OSHA classifies human remains as 'other potentially infectious material' (OPIM) under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, requiring standard precautions during handling.
Which embalming approach is used when the deceased has severe facial trauma making the face unrestorable for viewing?
Answer: A standard full-body embalming is performed with reconstructive cosmetics and/or prosthetics
Even with severe facial trauma, full-body embalming is performed followed by restorative art techniques including wax, fillers, and cosmetics or prosthetics to reconstruct appearance.