CMT Decedent Identification & Intake Procedures 2

Question 1

Livor mortis (lividity) refers to which postmortem change, and what information can it provide?

Accepted Answer

The purplish discoloration caused by blood settling due to gravity; it can help estimate time and position of death

Answer

The stiffening of muscles; it indicates the decedent's age at death

Answer

The decomposition of soft tissue; it indicates the presence of infectious disease

Answer

The cooling of the body to ambient temperature; it is used to calculate time since death

Question 2

Approximately when does rigor mortis typically begin after death, and how long does it generally last?

Accepted Answer

Begins 2–6 hours after death and resolves within 24–48 hours

Answer

Begins immediately and lasts 2–4 hours

Answer

Begins 12 hours after death and is permanent without embalming

Answer

Begins within 30 minutes and lasts up to 72 hours

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a body receipt form completed during decedent intake?

Accepted Answer

To document the legal transfer of custody and note the condition of the remains at the time of receipt

Answer

To authorize the family to select funeral merchandise

Answer

To record the names of all funeral home employees who will work on the case

Answer

To indicate which disposition method the family has pre-selected

Question 4

Prior to cremation, why must a mortuary technician check whether the decedent has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

Because the device must be removed to avoid explosion hazards within the cremation chamber

Answer

Because the device's data must be downloaded and sent to the cardiologist

Answer

Because pacemakers are required to be buried separately under federal law

Answer

Because the device may interfere with embalming fluid circulation

Question 5

What personal protective equipment (PPE) does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require when a mortuary technician handles human remains?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, gown or apron, eye protection, and mask or face shield as appropriate for the task

Answer

Only a lab coat and safety glasses

Answer

Only disposable gloves

Answer

A full hazmat suit for every removal regardless of known health history

Question 6

When transporting human remains across state lines, which document is commonly required by receiving states?

Accepted Answer

A transit permit or transportation permit issued by the state where death occurred

Answer

Only a signed statement from the attending physician

Answer

A signed release form from the decedent's next of kin only

Answer

An interstate commerce waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation

Question 7

What is the purpose of maintaining 'chain of custody' documentation throughout the intake and preparation process?

Accepted Answer

To create a verifiable record of every person who had custody of or access to the decedent, ensuring accountability and preventing misidentification

Answer

To track which employees are eligible for overtime pay on a given case

Answer

To document the chain of command for supervisory approval of embalming decisions

Answer

To satisfy insurance company requirements for claim processing