2. The Fundamentals of Embalming

Question 1

Embalming is both a _________ and an __________

Answer 1

Science
Art

Question 2

Embalming is the applied chemical process concerned with _____________________

Answer 2

Sanitation
Preservation
Restoration

Question 3

Renders the body inoffensive by slowing post-mortem changes

Answer 3

Sanitation (Disinfection)

Question 4

Slows the breakdown of the body over the time causing desiccation, drying out of a living organism

Answer 4

Preservation

Question 5

Removes/lessens the adverse effects of disease, trauma, naturally postmortem changes

Answer 5

Restorative

Question 6

Injection of proper embalming chemicals can: (5)

Answer 6

a) Restore contour of facial features
b) decrease facial swelling
c) Remove postmortem intravascular discolorations (signs of decomp)
d) Remove extravascular blood discolorations (lividity & stain)
e) Restore the natural facial expression

Question 7

Embalming is performed to fulfill what 4 purposes?

Answer 7

Anatomical
Funeralization
Psychosocial
Religious

Question 8

What are the 4 classifications of embalming?

Answer 8

Vascular or Arterial
Hypodermic
Surface
Cavity

Question 9

Which of the embalming classifications is this:
Utilize the blood vascular system to deliver preservative solutions to all areas of the body at once.
Also known as the process of draining the blood vessels while simultaneously injecting embalming chemicals into arteries

Answer 9

Vascular or Arterial Embalming

Question 10

Which of the embalming classifications is this:
The subcutaneous injection of tissue with embalming chemical by syringe and needle for smaller areas or a hypovalve trocar for larger areas
Considered a supplemental embalming procedure

Answer 10

Hypodermic embalming

Question 11

Which of the embalming classifications is this:
Preservation of tissues by direct contact of preservative compounds (no chemicals inside)
Considered a supplemental embalming

Answer 11

Surface Embalming

Question 12

Which of the embalming classifications is this:
Direct treatment of three body cavities: thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic
Applied in 2 phases

Answer 12

Cavity embalming

Question 13

Which phase from cavity embalming is this:
Removal of internal body fluids from the cavity using a trocar and aspirator

Answer 13

Aspiration

Question 14

Which phase from cavity embalming is this:
Introduction of preservative compound (fluid) into the body cavity or tissue using a trocar

Answer 14

Injection

Question 15

Cavity embalming routinely follows what other embalming?

Answer 15

Arterial

Question 16

What are the Goals of embalming?

Answer 16

Disinfection
Preservation
Restoration

Question 17

What is this:

• Minimizes or eliminates exposures to hazards
• Destroys or inhibits the growth of most pathogenic
• Sterilization eliminates all microorganisms (microbes)

Answer 17

Disinfection

Question 18

What is this:

• Stabilizes the body proteins creating an inert firm material, the “embalmed tissue” (tissue fixation)
• Destroys reactive centers of protein creating a “new” protein like substance that cannot refrain water (dehydration)
• Destroys autolytic and microbial enzymes which breakdown proteins, carbohydrates, fats

Answer 18

Temporary Preservation

Question 19

The embalmer also has a responsibility to aid funeral home owners meet__________ and any applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements

Answer 19

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards

Question 20

The beginning of the art and science (technique) of embalming is credited to who?

Answer 20

Ancient Egyptians

Question 21

Anthropology research and studies show that burial of the dead is the oldest of what?

Answer 21

All religious customs

Question 22

Who uses pressurized embalming with chemicals and preservatives that provide temporary preservation and restoration

Answer 22

Current era embalmers

Question 23

What is the moral conduct for embalmers?

Answer 23

Promote dignity and reverence for the dead

Establish high standards

Allow only authorized persons into restricted areas such as the embalming/prep room

Ensure access to restricted areas remains secure at all times

Maintain the confidentiality of both the deceased and the living

Sharing, cooperating and supporting all measures that promote health, safety and public welfare

Question 24

___________ provides permission for embalming the body:
- May be written, oral (expressed) or unobtainable
- Provides indemnification (security against legal liability for losses or damages) for the funeral home
- Expands who may assist in the embalming process; i.e. funeral service students and provisional (resident) trainees
- Provides for the contract employment of a trade embalmer (Independent Contractor)
- Allows the body to be embalmed at the funeral home or at a separate embalming facility
- Allows for restorative treatments of the dead human body
- Protects the funeral home or embalming facility if the body has been misidentified

Answer 24

The Embalming Authorization

Question 25

____________ occurs when the funeral provider has attempted to secure embalming authorization from the family but was unsuccessful in making contact. The Embalmer has exercised due diligence in attempting to obtain and secure permission to embalm. - When seeking approval, the funeral provider must disclose that a fee will be charged if funeral service selected by the family requires embalming and that no fee will be charged if a service is selected that does not require embalming such as direct cremation or immediate burial

Answer 25

Unobtainable Authorization

Question 26

What determines when a body must be embalmed?

Answer 26

Federal and State Regulations

Question 27

True or False: Embalming is not required by law except in certain or special circumstances

Answer 27

True

Question 28

What special circumstances require embalming to be performed by Federal Regulation?

Answer 28

* Interstate Travel of Dead Human Remains; transported by car, truck or van over state lines * Transportation of a Dead Human by “Common Carrier”; commercial air, rail or sea carriers * Transportation of a Dead Human to a destination where embalming is required; i.e. USA to France

Question 29

What year did the Federal Government make the Funeral Rule?

Answer 29

1984

Question 30

What states that: o No human body may be held in any place or be in transit more than 24 hours after death and pending final disposition unless either maintained at a temperature within the range of 34 degrees - 40 degrees Fahrenheit, o Or is embalmed by a licensed embalmer in a manner approved by the Texas Funeral Service Commission, or by an embalmer licensed to practice in the state where death occurred or o Is encased in a container which insures against seepage of fluid and the escape of offensive odors.

Answer 30

Texas Administrative Codes Title 25 Health Services, Part 1 Department of State Health Services, Chapter 181 Vital Statistics, Subchapter A Miscellaneous Provisions, Rule §181.4 “Preservation of Bodies”

Question 31

Used in shipment of military personnel killed in battle, transport bodies to foreign or international destination

Answer 31

Ziegler’s Case

Question 32

What states that: a) If a body is not claimed for burial immediately after death, the body shall be embalmed within 24 hours. b) For 72 hours after death, the person in charge of the institution having charge or control of the body shall make due effort to find a relative of the deceased and notify the relative of the death. c)If the person is not able to find a relative, the person shall file with the county clerk an affidavit stating that the person has made a diligent inquiry to find a relative and stating the inquiry the person made.

Answer 32

Texas Health & Safety Code Title 8. Death and Disposition of the body , Subtitle B. Disposition of the Body ,Chapter 691 Donation of Bodies and Anatomical Specimens, Subchapter A. General Provisions; State Anatomical Advisory Committees §691.205. PROCEDURE AFTER DEATH

Question 33

What must be completed for each dead human being brought into the custody of a funeral home or embalming facility?

Answer 33

Documentation

Question 34

What are the types of death where the medical examiner/coroner/Justice of the Peace must be notified?

Answer 34

- Accidental deaths – all forms - Homicidal deaths - Suicidal deaths - Abortions (criminal or self-induced) - Sudden deaths - Deaths as a result of injuries sustained at the place of employment - Death of individuals where the attending physician cannot be found or deaths of persons who have not been attended by a physician within 2 weeks prior to the date of death - All deaths occurring within 24 hours of admission to a hospital unless the deceased has been under continuous care of a physician for a natural disease that is responsible for death

Question 35

What should be filled out in detail and kept as a permanent record of the funeral home or embalming facility - must be completed for each deceased human body brought into a funeral home or embalming facility for the purpose of embalming - The report should describe information to accurately describe: a) The condition of the body before preparation (embalming) b) Manner and method of preparation c) Any post embalming or post care treatments d) Date and time of arrival of the body into the custody of the funeral home or embalming establishment e) Start and Ending time of preparation (embalming) f) Full name and license number of the embalmer and others authorized to assist in the preparation

Answer 35

Decedent care Forms

Question 36

What authorizes minimum care of the deceased human when embalming is not requested - Allows the funeral home to perform certain tasks to prepare the body for identification, viewing or immediate cremation.

Answer 36

Authorization for Minimum Care Services

Question 37

What authorizes minimum care of the body. Provides a detailed description of minimum care that can be performed

Answer 37

Minimum Care Authorization When Embalming is Declined

Question 38

What is used when a funeral facility prepares a body where organs and or tissues have been donated

Answer 38

Authorization to Prepare Donation Cases for Viewing

Question 39

What gives directions for the disposition of the dead human body when a green burial (natural burial) is requested

Answer 39

Green Funeral Release and Indemnification

Question 40

What verifies the identity of a decedent. Note the following with respect to this form: o States who is making the identification o States that the body was viewed and identified o States that the next of kin refuses to identify the remains but authorizes final disposition without positive identification o Indemnifies the funeral facility if the body is incorrectly identified

Answer 40

Identification of Remains of the decedent

Question 41

What document is used when the funeral home advises against viewing a body due to severe conditions such as trauma, fire, or decomposition, but the family wishes to view

Answer 41

Trauma Viewing Without Embalming

Question 42

What is used when the funeral home is granted permission by NOK or authorized representative to cremate human remains

Answer 42

Authorization for Cremation

Question 43

What are the Mandatory Case Reports and Documents Required by State of Texas

Answer 43

1. Embalming Authorization 2. Embalming Case Report

Question 44

What are the three types of people that may under certain circumstances assist licensed embalmers in embalming?

Answer 44

o Provisional Licensed Embalmers under the personal supervision of a licensed embalmer o Students who are enrolled in an accredited school of mortuary science working on a case intended toward completion of the student's clinical requirements o In the event of a disaster of major proportions and with the prior approval of the Executive Director, embalmers licensed in another state as long as they are working with or under the general supervision of a person licensed as an embalmer in this state.

Question 45

Clothing and/or personal effects of the decedent should be what?

Answer 45

Disinfected before delivery or discarded in a manner consistent with the disposal of biohazardous material

Question 46

Anatomical Donation of a dead human body to medical science requires what before the donation can take place or occur?

Answer 46

legal documentation

Question 47

__________ of the body or giving by will after death is considered a will and legally binding

Answer 47

Bequeathal

Question 48

True or False: Body donation is not considered a form of final disposition on the legal certificate of death

Answer 48

False