Funeral Service Test Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which postmortem change is characterized by the green discoloration of the abdomen typically appearing 24–48 hours after death?
- Livor mortis
- Algor mortis
- Putrefaction (Correct answer)
- Rigor mortis
Correct answer: Putrefaction
Putrefaction begins with green discoloration of the abdomen caused by hydrogen sulfide reacting with hemoglobin, usually visible 24–48 hours after death.
Question 2: The primary purpose of cavity embalming is to:
- Restore natural skin color
- Treat internal organs and body cavities with preservative fluid (Correct answer)
- Firm the facial tissues for viewing
- Remove excess interstitial fluid
Correct answer: Treat internal organs and body cavities with preservative fluid
Cavity embalming involves aspirating the contents of body cavities and injecting cavity fluid to preserve and disinfect the internal organs.
Question 3: A body exhibiting pronounced jaundice would most likely show what skin coloration that an embalmer must address?
- Cyanotic blue-gray
- Yellow-orange tinting (Correct answer)
- Ashen gray pallor
- Bright cherry red
Correct answer: Yellow-orange tinting
Jaundice results from elevated bilirubin levels causing yellow-orange discoloration of the skin and sclera that cosmetics must counteract.
Question 4: What term describes the movement of embalming fluid from the point of injection throughout the vascular system?
- Osmosis
- Diffusion
- Distribution (Correct answer)
- Perfusion
Correct answer: Distribution
Distribution refers to the movement of embalming fluid through the arterial system to reach all tissues of the body.
Question 5: Which pathological condition would most significantly impede proper embalming fluid distribution due to arterial blockage?
- Diabetes mellitus
- Arteriosclerosis (Correct answer)
- Emphysema
- Cirrhosis
Correct answer: Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis hardens and narrows the arteries, making it difficult to achieve adequate fluid distribution during arterial embalming.
Question 6: The science of determining the cause and manner of death through examination of the body is known as:
- Thanatology
- Forensic pathology (Correct answer)
- Histology
- Serology
Correct answer: Forensic pathology
Forensic pathology is the specialty that investigates the cause and manner of death, often in medicolegal contexts.
Question 7: When a body has been refrigerated for an extended period, the embalmer should anticipate which complication?
- Accelerated rigor mortis
- Increased purge risk and tissue dehydration
- Excessive blood clotting only in arteries
- Rapid skin slippage upon warming (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rapid skin slippage upon warming
Extended refrigeration slows decomposition but can cause skin slippage as superficial layers separate from underlying tissue when the body is warmed.
Funeral Service Test Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology 2
Which postmortem change is characterized by the green discoloration of the abdomen typically appearing 24–48 hours after death?