BMS Embalming and Restorative Arts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which embalming solution concentration is most appropriate for an edematous body?
- Higher index fluid with reduced water dilution (Correct answer)
- Standard 2% formaldehyde solution
- Pre-injection fluid only with no arterial chemical
- Low-index fluid with maximum dilution
Correct answer: Higher index fluid with reduced water dilution
Edematous bodies require higher-index arterial fluid with less dilution water to compensate for the excess interstitial fluid already present in tissues.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a cavity fluid in embalming?
- To disinfect and preserve thoracic and abdominal organs after aspiration (Correct answer)
- To supplement arterial distribution in extremities
- To restore skin color in decomposed remains
- To harden surface tissues before casketing
Correct answer: To disinfect and preserve thoracic and abdominal organs after aspiration
Cavity fluid is injected into the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities after aspiration to preserve and disinfect internal organs.
Question 3: A embalmer notices the face is turning gray-green during arterial injection. The most likely cause is:
- Jaundice reacting with formaldehyde
- Hemolysis with sulfhemoglobin formation (Correct answer)
- Excessive water dilution of the solution
- Air embolism in facial capillaries
Correct answer: Hemolysis with sulfhemoglobin formation
Gray-green discoloration is characteristic of sulfhemoglobin or sulfmethemoglobin formation, often associated with decomposition gases reacting with hemoglobin.
Question 4: When embalming a jaundiced body, which special consideration is most important?
- Use jaundice bleaching agents pre-injection and select appropriate cosmetics post-embalming (Correct answer)
- Avoid arterial embalming entirely and rely on surface preservatives
- Increase injection pressure significantly to clear bile pigments
- Inject cavity fluid before arterial fluid to neutralize bilirubin
Correct answer: Use jaundice bleaching agents pre-injection and select appropriate cosmetics post-embalming
Jaundiced remains require pre-injection co-injection of bleaching agents and careful cosmetic selection to mask yellow skin tone for viewing.
Question 5: In restorative art, which material is most suitable for rebuilding a collapsed nasal structure?
- Plaster of Paris
- Mortuary wax (surface restorer) (Correct answer)
- Cavity fluid saturated cotton
- Formaldehyde gel
Correct answer: Mortuary wax (surface restorer)
Mortuary wax is the standard restorative art material used to rebuild, fill, and reshape surface facial features including the nose.
Question 6: The term 'six-point injection' in embalming refers to:
- Injection through both carotids, both femorals, and both axillary arteries (Correct answer)
- Injection into six thoracic cavity locations with a trocar
- Six-site hypodermic injection of cavity fluid
- Bilateral injection at three facial arterial points
Correct answer: Injection through both carotids, both femorals, and both axillary arteries
Six-point injection involves raising and injecting through both common carotid, both femoral, and both axillary arteries for comprehensive distribution.
Question 7: Which condition requires the embalmer to use an alternative injection site other than the right common carotid artery?
- Carotid artery aneurysm or severe atherosclerosis at that site (Correct answer)
- Presence of a pacemaker
- Body weight exceeding 300 lbs
- Prior history of stroke
Correct answer: Carotid artery aneurysm or severe atherosclerosis at that site
Aneurysm or severe atherosclerotic obstruction at the right carotid makes that vessel unsuitable, requiring use of the femoral or axillary artery instead.
BMS Embalming and Restorative Arts 2
Which embalming solution concentration is most appropriate for an edematous body?