maybe my Embalming II L6

After arterial and cavity embalming are complete, what additional work may still need to be performed during post-embalming care?

Supplemental/corrective treatments, feature-setting adjustments, closure of incisions and openings, removal of medical devices, orifice packing, bathing and terminal disinfection, treatment of discolorations and swelling, use of plastic garments when necessary, disinfection of instruments and the prep room, PPE removal and personal hygiene, preparation of documents, and continual monitoring until final disposition.

What determines the order in which post-embalming treatments and care are performed?

There is no set order; the order is generally determined by case analysis and the embalmer's preference.

Why may not every post-embalming treatment be required for every case?

Each case is unique and may not require all of the listed treatments.

What are the two supplemental/corrective embalming methods used when areas of the body have not been adequately embalmed through arterial injection?

Surface embalming and hypodermic embalming.

Why might some areas of the body not be adequately embalmed through arterial injection?

Incomplete distribution and/or diffusion of the embalming solution.

What should be done during arterial injection when incomplete distribution or diffusion is a problem?

Additional arteries should be raised.

What is surface embalming?

A normally external embalming treatment, although internal application is possible, using packs or compresses to treat areas requiring additional treatment.

What conditions respond well to surface embalming?

Abrasions, lesions, burned skin, and skin-slip.

What chemicals may be used for surface embalming?

Autopsy gels, cauterizing agents, and cavity fluids.

What equipment is used for hypodermic embalming?

A hypodermic needle and syringe or a hypovalve trocar.

What size areas can be treated with hypodermic embalming?

Both large and small areas.

What type of solution may be used for hypodermic embalming?

Arterial solution, often strengthened.

On what type of cases is hypodermic embalming commonly used?

Autopsied cases.

What should be checked after embalming regarding the facial features?

The features should be checked to ensure they were not altered during injection and cavity treatment.

What facial features may need to be reset after embalming?

The eyes and mouth.

What should be checked regarding the lines of closure after embalming?

The lines of closure for the eyes and mouth should be checked.

What should be done with moistened cotton inside the mouth after embalming?

It should be removed and replaced.

Why is massage cream used during post-embalming feature setting?

To avoid dehydration.

Which areas should receive massage cream to help avoid dehydration?

The face and hands.

What must be done to all incisions following embalming?

All incisions must be closed.

What is the most common method of closing embalming incisions?

Suturing.

What materials may be used for incision closure?

Ligature and suture needles.

What alternatives may be used for some sutures or openings?

Adhesive, dental floss, trocar button, or A/V closure.

What type of small injuries may be closed using dental floss?

Small facial incisions or lacerations.

What is the most common suture used for incision closure?

Baseball suture.

What is another name for the bridge suture?

Individual or interrupted suture.

What is another name for the single intradermal suture?

Hidden suture.

How many needles does a single intradermal suture use?

One needle.

What is another name for the double intradermal suture?

Hidden suture.

How many needles does a double intradermal suture use?

Two needles.

What is another name for the lock suture?

Interlocking suture.

How is the lock suture similar to baseball and roll sutures?

It is similar to both, but each loop is locked or knotted.

What are the other names for the whip suture?

Roll or continuous suture.

What is another name for the worm suture?

Inversion suture.

For what type of case is the worm/inversion suture recommended?

Cranial autopsies.

What is the purse-string suture used for?

Round openings, such as trocar punctures.

What are the two names for the N-suture?

N-suture or Z-suture, depending on how it is viewed.

What type of openings are especially suited for an N-suture/Z-suture?

Small openings, such as those left by IV lines.

What is the purpose of the basket-weave suture?

It does not close anything; it is used as a base for further restoration.

What should be done with invasive medical devices that remain after embalming?

They should be removed.

What are examples of invasive medical devices that may remain after embalming?

IV lines, ports, and feeding tubes.

What sutures may be used to close the opening left after removing an invasive medical device?

A purse-string or N/Z suture.

What additional step is often recommended after completing a suture?

Apply glue to the outside of the suture for added security.

Why may glue be applied to the outside of a completed suture?

To provide additional security.

What is the purpose of packing body orifices during post-embalming care?

To stop purge.

Which three body orifices should be packed to help stop purge?

Mouth, nose, and anal canal.

How should rectal purge be treated during post-embalming care?

Pack with saturated cotton and close with dry cotton or an A/V closure.

When should bathing occur during the embalming process?

Before, during, and after embalming.

When should disinfection occur during the embalming process?

Before, during, and after embalming.

What are the three types of disinfection associated with the embalming process?

Primary disinfection, concurrent disinfection, and terminal disinfection.

What should be emphasized about post-embalming bathing?

It should be thorough.

What should be used during post-embalming bathing?

Soap.

What should be done to the hair during post-embalming bathing?

Shampoo the hair.

What should be removed during thorough post-embalming bathing?

All blood and other debris.

How thoroughly should the remains be dried after post-embalming bathing?

They should be dried thoroughly.

What should be applied to the face and hands after post-embalming bathing?

Massage cream.

What types of discoloration or physical changes may be treated after embalming?

Extravascular discolorations, swelling/distention, edema if not removed via edema fluids, and subcutaneous emphysema.

What type of discoloration may be treated after embalming?

Extravascular discoloration.

When may edema be treated after embalming?

If it was not removed via edema fluids.

Where are the specific treatments and restorations for discolorations, swelling, edema, and subcutaneous emphysema covered?

RA II.

When should plastic garments be used during post-embalming care?

If leakage is present or the possibility of leakage is a concern.

Why are plastic garments used when leakage is present or possible?

To protect clothing and the interior of the casket, container, or other area.

What should be placed inside plastic garments when they are used for leakage protection?

Absorbent powder.

What types of plastic garments may be used during post-embalming care?

Unionalls, coveralls, stockings, sleeves, pants, and capris.

What should be cleaned and disinfected after all work on the remains is complete?

The prep room and all instruments used.

What must be disinfected in the prep room after embalming?

Instruments and all surfaces.

How should an embalming machine be cleaned after embalming?

Flush it with water, preferably warm water.

What should be done to the embalming machine after flushing it with water?

Partially fill it with water.

Why should the embalming machine be partially filled with water after cleaning?

To protect the internal seals.

What is the proper order for removing PPE after embalming?

Remove and dispose of PPE with gloves removed last.

Which PPE item should be removed last?

Gloves.

What should be done to the hands after removing PPE?

Wash them thoroughly.

What should be done with clothes and garments after embalming?

Launder them.

What personal hygiene step should be performed after embalming?

Take a shower.

What documents may need to be prepared when necessary after embalming?

Embalming authorization, ID or case logbook, personal effects inventory, and prep room disinfection log.

Which document must be completed every time after embalming?

The embalming report/case report.

How should the embalming report/case report be completed?

Accurately, thoroughly, and honestly.

When should the embalming report/case report be completed?

Immediately after embalming while the information is fresh.

Why is the embalming case report important to the embalmer?

It provides protection from and/or during litigation.

What should a student be able to do after completing all the material in the embalming course?

Fully complete an embalming case report.

What example of a case report is included in Lesson 6?

A Texas example case report.

How long should the remains be monitored after embalming?

Continually until final disposition occurs.

What should be done if a problem is discovered during continual monitoring?

Treat it as needed.

What insect-related problem should be monitored for after embalming?

Infestation by insects.

What leakage-related problem should be monitored for after embalming?

Leakage.

What incision-related problem should be monitored for after embalming?

Incisions and sutures.

What fungal growth should be monitored for after embalming?

Mold.

What facial feature problems should be monitored for after embalming?

Feature adjustments, including eyes or mouth opening.

What discoloration-related problem should be monitored for after embalming?

Discolorations.

What fluid-related condition should be monitored for after embalming?

Edema.

What purge-related problem should be monitored for after embalming?

Purge.

What moisture-related condition should be monitored for after embalming?

Dehydration.

What other conditions should be monitored for after embalming?

Skin-slip, decomposition, and other problems.

What are the major categories of post-embalming treatments and care?

Supplemental/corrective treatments; feature-setting adjustments; closure of incisions/openings; removal of medical devices; packing orifices; bathing and terminal disinfection; treatment of discolorations and swelling; plastic garments; prep-room and instrument disinfection; PPE removal and hygiene; document preparation; and continual monitoring until final disposition.