CMT Decedent Identification & Intake Procedures 3

Question 1

What is algor mortis, and how is it used in mortuary and forensic settings?

Accepted Answer

The postmortem cooling of the body to ambient temperature; used to help estimate time of death

Answer

The discoloration of tissue after death; used to assess embalming quality

Answer

The stiffening of muscle tissue after death; used to schedule embalming

Answer

The formation of adipocere after death; used to identify decomposed remains

Question 2

When a decedent's identity cannot be confirmed by any available documentation, what should a mortuary technician do?

Accepted Answer

Hold the remains securely, notify appropriate authorities, and document the unknown status until positive identification is made

Answer

Proceed with embalming using a temporary name designation

Answer

Contact the nearest hospital to match the remains to a patient record

Answer

Attempt visual identification by checking social media profiles of reported missing persons

Question 3

What does the term 'putrefaction' refer to in the context of postmortem changes?

Accepted Answer

The bacterial decomposition of soft tissue, resulting in gas formation, odor, and discoloration

Answer

The chemical reaction between embalming fluid and blood proteins

Answer

The crystallization of fatty acids in adipose tissue after death

Answer

The drying and mummification of surface tissue due to dehydration

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a legal authorization document that must be obtained from the next of kin before embalming can proceed?

Accepted Answer

A written embalming authorization form signed by the legally authorized person

Answer

The death certificate signed by the attending physician

Answer

The transit permit issued by the state vital statistics office

Answer

A hospital discharge summary listing the cause of death

Question 5

What does the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule require funeral homes to provide to families during the intake and arrangement process?

Accepted Answer

An itemized price list of all funeral goods and services offered

Answer

A free funeral service regardless of financial circumstances

Answer

A written guarantee that all selected items are available within 24 hours

Answer

A disclosure of the embalmer's professional license number

Question 6

Why is it important to document the presence of a pacemaker, prosthetics, or surgical implants during the initial intake examination of a decedent?

Accepted Answer

To ensure proper handling during preparation, avoid cremation hazards, and facilitate accurate disposition planning

Answer

Only for billing purposes to charge the family for additional preparation services

Answer

To determine whether the decedent is eligible for an open-casket service

Answer

To notify the Social Security Administration so the decedent's disability benefits can be suspended

Question 7

When completing a decedent's intake paperwork, which piece of information is most critical for accurately completing the death certificate?

Accepted Answer

The decedent's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and information about the attending physician

Answer

The decedent's favorite funeral home merchandise preferences

Answer

The name of the individual who transported the remains to the funeral home

Answer

The estimated retail value of the decedent's personal effects