Funeral Service Test Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with infarction of the heart or kidney?
- Liquefactive necrosis
- Caseous necrosis
- Coagulative necrosis (Correct answer)
- Fat necrosis
Correct answer: Coagulative necrosis
Coagulative necrosis occurs when ischemia denatures structural proteins, preserving cell outlines while killing the cells, and is typical of cardiac and renal infarcts.
Question 2: For an autopsied body, the embalmer's first priority regarding the cranial cavity is to:
- Re-inject arterial fluid through the circle of Willis
- Pack the cranial cavity with absorbent material and cavity fluid after the calvarium is replaced (Correct answer)
- Leave the cranium open for ventilation
- Apply surface embalming gel to the brain before replacement
Correct answer: Pack the cranial cavity with absorbent material and cavity fluid after the calvarium is replaced
After autopsy, the calvarium is replaced and the cranial cavity is packed with preservative-saturated cotton or compound to treat the exposed tissue.
Question 3: The 'index' of a cavity fluid is typically much higher than arterial fluid because:
- Cavity fluid must be water-soluble
- Cavity fluid is not diluted before use and must penetrate and preserve dense organ tissue (Correct answer)
- Higher index reduces injection machine pressure
- Organs require gentler chemical treatment than vascular tissue
Correct answer: Cavity fluid is not diluted before use and must penetrate and preserve dense organ tissue
Cavity fluid is used undiluted and requires a high formaldehyde index to effectively preserve and disinfect the dense, bacteria-laden contents of body cavities.
Question 4: Which cranial nerve, if damaged during autopsy or trauma, would most visibly affect facial expression restoration?
- Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- Facial nerve (CN VII) (Correct answer)
- Optic nerve (CN II)
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Correct answer: Facial nerve (CN VII)
The facial nerve (CN VII) controls the muscles of facial expression, so damage can cause asymmetry that funeral directors must address restoratively.
Question 5: A body received from a hospital with a pacemaker still implanted poses what primary concern for the embalmer?
- The pacemaker interferes with fluid distribution
- If cremation is intended, the pacemaker battery can explode in the retort (Correct answer)
- Pacemakers cause accelerated putrefaction
- The device requires special biohazard disposal before embalming
Correct answer: If cremation is intended, the pacemaker battery can explode in the retort
Pacemaker batteries can explode at cremation temperatures, posing a serious safety risk to cremation operators and equipment.
Question 6: Mummification as a natural postmortem change is most likely to occur under which environmental conditions?
- High humidity and low temperature
- Low humidity, high heat, and good air circulation (Correct answer)
- Anaerobic and moisture-saturated burial
- Submersion in fresh water
Correct answer: Low humidity, high heat, and good air circulation
Natural mummification requires dry, warm, and well-ventilated conditions that desiccate the body faster than bacteria can decompose soft tissue.
Question 7: The 'six-point injection' technique in embalming uses which set of vessels?
- Both carotids, both femorals, and both axillaries (Correct answer)
- Both radials, both brachials, and both tibials
- The aorta, both iliac arteries, and three jugular veins
- Both carotids and both femorals only
Correct answer: Both carotids, both femorals, and both axillaries
The six-point injection technique uses the right and left carotid, femoral, and axillary arteries to ensure thorough distribution throughout all body regions.
Funeral Service Test Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology 5
Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with infarction of the heart or kidney?