CMT Embalming Techniques & Protocols 5

Question 1

What is the significance of the formaldehyde permissible exposure limit (PEL) set by OSHA for funeral home workers?

Accepted Answer

0.75 ppm as an 8-hour TWA, with an action level of 0.5 ppm

Answer

OSHA's Formaldehyde Standard sets a PEL of 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour TWA and an action level of 0.5 ppm, at which monitoring and medical surveillance programs must be initiated.

Question 2

Which condition best describes 'tissue gas' encountered during embalming preparation?

Accepted Answer

Rapidly spreading subcutaneous emphysema caused by Clostridium perfringens infection

Answer

Tissue gas (subcutaneous emphysema from Clostridium perfringens) produces crackling, gas-filled tissue planes that spread rapidly and require special high-index treatment and surface disinfection.

Question 3

What embalming approach is most appropriate for a body dead from trauma with extensive internal hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Use high-index arterial fluid with a blood solvent co-injection and multiple injection sites

Answer

Traumatic hemorrhage cases require high-index fluid to counteract blood saturation in tissues, a blood solvent co-injection to help clear intravascular clotting, and multiple injection points for even distribution.

Question 4

Which drainage device allows continuous drainage during arterial injection without requiring repeated manual adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Drain tube with stopcock

Answer

A drain tube fitted with a stopcock can be set to allow continuous drainage throughout injection, enabling the embalmer to monitor outflow and adjust flow as needed without stopping.

Question 5

When embalming a body with a pacemaker in place, what is the most critical consideration before beginning?

Accepted Answer

The pacemaker's battery may explode under certain cremation temperatures, so it must be documented and removed if cremation is planned

Answer

Pacemaker batteries can explode at cremation temperatures, potentially injuring workers and damaging equipment; removal before cremation is mandatory and must be documented.

(CMT) Certified Mortuary Technician Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Mortuary Technician Practice Test

CMT Embalming Techniques & Protocols 5