Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology Questions and Answers

Question 1

The post-mortem stiffening of muscles, known as rigor mortis, is primarily caused by the depletion of which molecule, leading to the formation of stable cross-bridges between muscle filaments?

Accepted Answer

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Answer

Glucose

Answer

Lactic Acid

Answer

Calcium

Question 2

An embalmer is preparing an arterial solution for a decedent who was highly acidotic at the time of death. Which type of chemical in the embalming fluid is specifically designed to counteract this acidic condition and maintain a stable pH for optimal formaldehyde reaction?

Accepted Answer

Buffer

Answer

Surfactant

Answer

Humectant

Answer

Anticoagulant

Question 3

When attempting to raise the femoral artery for injection, its anatomical guide is a line on the surface of the thigh from the center of the inguinal ligament to the center point on the medial condyle of the femur. The artery lies just lateral to which accompanying vessel?

Accepted Answer

Femoral vein

Answer

Sciatic nerve

Answer

Great saphenous vein

Answer

Femoral nerve

Question 4

A decedent presents with severe edema (swelling) of the eyelids. Which of the following is a recommended restorative art treatment to reduce the swelling PRIOR to the application of cosmetics?

Accepted Answer

Using an electric spatula or heated tool

Answer

Applying a thick layer of massage cream to the area

Answer

Injecting a tissue-building chemical directly into the eyelid

Answer

Covering the area with opaque cosmetic foundation

Question 5

An embalmer is preparing a decedent whose cause of death was chronic renal failure. The embalmer should anticipate that the high levels of nitrogenous waste products, such as ammonia and urea, in the tissues will have what effect on the embalming process?

Accepted Answer

Increase the formaldehyde demand

Answer

Enhance the distribution of arterial fluid

Answer

Cause immediate and intense livor mortis

Answer

Decrease the post-mortem cooling rate (algor mortis)

Question 6

Which of the following pathological conditions requires the embalmer to take special precautions, including the use of disposable instruments and placing the body on a waterproof sheet, due to the highly resistant nature of the causative prion agent?

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Hepatitis B

Answer

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)