PHT 313 Principles of Embalming II
Midterm Exam Mortuary Science Actual
Exam 2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales
| Complete Exam-Style Questions | Pass
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SECTION I: VASCULAR EMBALMING – PRESSURE & RATE CONTROL (12 Questions)
Q1: When gravitational embalming is performed using an elevated tank, the primary controlling
factor for arterial pressure is the:
A. Viscosity of the arterial fluid concentrate
B. Diameter of the tubing from tank to injector
C. Vertical distance between fluid level and injection site
D. Temperature of the embalming solution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because gravitational pressure equals height of fluid column above injection site
(0.433 psi per foot). This matches standard Mortuary Science formulas for tank elevation.
,Q2: A differential pressure machine is set to 4 psi arterial pressure while the drainage port
registers 2 psi negative pressure. The net pressure gradient across the vascular bed is:
A. 2 psi
B. 4 psi
C. 6 psi
D. 8 psi
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because differential pressure is calculated by summing arterial injection
pressure and drainage suction pressure (4 psi + 2 psi = 6 psi). This matches the standard formula
for net perfusion pressure in differential embalming systems.
Q3: During machine embalming of an adult male, the embalmer observes rapid drainage return but
poor cutaneous distribution. The most appropriate initial adjustment is to:
A. Increase arterial pressure by 5 psi
B. Decrease arterial rate of flow by 25%
C. Switch to a single-point injection
D. Massage the extremities toward the heart
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because rapid drainage with poor distribution indicates excessive flow rate
overwhelming capillary exchange capacity. Priority is reducing rate to allow proper perfusion before
adjusting pressure.
Q4: The formula for calculating gravitational pressure in embalming is approximately:
A. 0.216 psi per foot of elevation
B. 0.433 psi per foot of elevation
C. 0.866 psi per foot of elevation
D. 1.0 psi per foot of elevation
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the hydrostatic pressure of water (and similar-density embalming
solutions) generates 0.433 psi per vertical foot. This matches standard physics applications in
embalming equipment calibration.
Q5: A deceased exhibits severe generalized edema. When selecting injection pressure, the
embalmer should:
A. Use standard pressure with increased rate
B. Reduce pressure and extend injection duration
C. Increase pressure to overcome tissue resistance
D. Employ intermittent pressure technique exclusively
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because edematous tissues have compromised vascular integrity; high pressure
risks extravascular solution escape. Priority is gentle, prolonged perfusion to achieve preservation
without further tissue distortion.
Q6: The rate of flow during arterial embalming is primarily determined by:
A. The chemical index of the arterial fluid
B. The resistance of the vascular bed and the pressure applied
C. The temperature of the drainage collection vessel
D. The pH of the pre-injection solution
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because flow rate follows hydraulic principles where rate equals pressure
divided by resistance. This matches Poiseuille's law applications in embalming practice.
Midterm Exam Mortuary Science Actual
Exam 2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales
| Complete Exam-Style Questions | Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
SECTION I: VASCULAR EMBALMING – PRESSURE & RATE CONTROL (12 Questions)
Q1: When gravitational embalming is performed using an elevated tank, the primary controlling
factor for arterial pressure is the:
A. Viscosity of the arterial fluid concentrate
B. Diameter of the tubing from tank to injector
C. Vertical distance between fluid level and injection site
D. Temperature of the embalming solution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because gravitational pressure equals height of fluid column above injection site
(0.433 psi per foot). This matches standard Mortuary Science formulas for tank elevation.
,Q2: A differential pressure machine is set to 4 psi arterial pressure while the drainage port
registers 2 psi negative pressure. The net pressure gradient across the vascular bed is:
A. 2 psi
B. 4 psi
C. 6 psi
D. 8 psi
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because differential pressure is calculated by summing arterial injection
pressure and drainage suction pressure (4 psi + 2 psi = 6 psi). This matches the standard formula
for net perfusion pressure in differential embalming systems.
Q3: During machine embalming of an adult male, the embalmer observes rapid drainage return but
poor cutaneous distribution. The most appropriate initial adjustment is to:
A. Increase arterial pressure by 5 psi
B. Decrease arterial rate of flow by 25%
C. Switch to a single-point injection
D. Massage the extremities toward the heart
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because rapid drainage with poor distribution indicates excessive flow rate
overwhelming capillary exchange capacity. Priority is reducing rate to allow proper perfusion before
adjusting pressure.
Q4: The formula for calculating gravitational pressure in embalming is approximately:
A. 0.216 psi per foot of elevation
B. 0.433 psi per foot of elevation
C. 0.866 psi per foot of elevation
D. 1.0 psi per foot of elevation
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the hydrostatic pressure of water (and similar-density embalming
solutions) generates 0.433 psi per vertical foot. This matches standard physics applications in
embalming equipment calibration.
Q5: A deceased exhibits severe generalized edema. When selecting injection pressure, the
embalmer should:
A. Use standard pressure with increased rate
B. Reduce pressure and extend injection duration
C. Increase pressure to overcome tissue resistance
D. Employ intermittent pressure technique exclusively
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because edematous tissues have compromised vascular integrity; high pressure
risks extravascular solution escape. Priority is gentle, prolonged perfusion to achieve preservation
without further tissue distortion.
Q6: The rate of flow during arterial embalming is primarily determined by:
A. The chemical index of the arterial fluid
B. The resistance of the vascular bed and the pressure applied
C. The temperature of the drainage collection vessel
D. The pH of the pre-injection solution
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because flow rate follows hydraulic principles where rate equals pressure
divided by resistance. This matches Poiseuille's law applications in embalming practice.
