CMT Embalming Techniques & Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which embalming technique is most appropriate when arterial embalming alone fails to adequately preserve the abdominal region?
- Hypodermically inject the abdominal wall
- Perform cavity embalming using a trocar (Correct answer)
- Apply surface pack compresses
- Increase injection pressure at the femoral artery
Correct answer: Perform cavity embalming using a trocar
Cavity embalming with a trocar allows direct aspiration of gases and fluids and injection of cavity fluid into the thoracic and abdominal cavities when arterial distribution is insufficient.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of using a humectant in embalming fluid formulations?
- To increase the rate of arterial fluid penetration
- To retain moisture and prevent excessive tissue dehydration (Correct answer)
- To neutralize the pH of the embalming solution
- To accelerate the fixation of proteins
Correct answer: To retain moisture and prevent excessive tissue dehydration
Humectants such as glycerin draw and retain moisture within tissues, helping to prevent the over-dehydration that can cause skin to appear sunken or leathery.
Question 3: When embalming a body with advanced decomposition, which adjustment to the embalming solution is most critical?
- Decrease the dilution index to lower preservative concentration
- Increase the index strength and use co-injection fluids (Correct answer)
- Switch entirely to cavity fluid injected arterially
- Use only water to dilute gas buildup before injection
Correct answer: Increase the index strength and use co-injection fluids
Advanced decomposition requires a higher preservative index and co-injection fluids (such as water conditioners and humectants) to counteract tissue breakdown and purge conditions.
Question 4: The 'six-point injection' method refers to embalming using which combination of vessels?
- Right and left common carotids, right and left femorals, and right and left axillaries (Correct answer)
- Right and left subclavians, iliacs, and radials
- Aorta, vena cava, and four limb arteries
- Common carotid, femoral, brachial, and popliteal on one side only
Correct answer: Right and left common carotids, right and left femorals, and right and left axillaries
The six-point injection uses bilateral common carotid, femoral, and axillary arteries to ensure thorough distribution when a single-point injection is inadequate.
Question 5: What condition is indicated when embalming fluid appears at the incision site without adequate tissue firming?
- Proper distribution has occurred
- Short-circuit or channeling of fluid through a path of least resistance (Correct answer)
- The embalming index is too low for the volume used
- Rigor mortis is preventing proper distribution
Correct answer: Short-circuit or channeling of fluid through a path of least resistance
Short-circuiting occurs when fluid travels rapidly through dilated or damaged vessels and exits before achieving adequate preservation in surrounding tissue.
Question 6: Which post-embalming technique is used to reduce jaundice discoloration in surface tissues?
- Apply a layer of cavity fluid directly to the skin surface
- Use a bleaching or jaundice-correcting embalming fluid co-injection (Correct answer)
- Inject high-index arterial fluid at increased pressure
- Apply dry preservative powder to the skin
Correct answer: Use a bleaching or jaundice-correcting embalming fluid co-injection
Jaundice corrector co-injection fluids contain compounds (often containing oxalic acid derivatives) that chemically reduce bilirubin staining in tissues during arterial injection.
Question 7: Which anatomical site is typically raised for arterial injection in a standard embalming procedure on an unembalmed adult?
- Femoral artery at the inguinal ligament
- Right common carotid artery (Correct answer)
- Brachial artery at the elbow
- Radial artery at the wrist
Correct answer: Right common carotid artery
The right common carotid artery is the most commonly raised vessel in standard embalming because it provides excellent distribution to the head and, via the arterial network, to most of the body.
CMT Embalming Techniques & Protocols 2
Which embalming technique is most appropriate when arterial embalming alone fails to adequately preserve the abdominal region?