Massachusetts Funeral Director Practice Exam

If the hand (thumb side) does not receive fluid during arterial injection, what should you do?

1. Raise the arm

2. Check for occlusions

3. Switch to a different injection site

4. Increase the pressure

The correct answer is: Check for occlusions

When encountering a scenario where the thumb side of the hand does not receive fluid during arterial injection, checking for occlusions is the most appropriate action. This step is essential because occlusions, or blockages, in the arterial system can impede the proper distribution of embalming fluid. Verifying the presence of occlusions allows you to determine if the problem lies in an obstruction within the blood vessels or if there is another issue affecting the injection. In many cases, occlusions can be caused by a variety of factors, such as clots, kinks in the tubing, or improper positioning of the limbs during the procedure. By addressing this first, you can likely resolve the issue, allowing for a more effective arterial injection and ensuring that the embalming fluid reaches all necessary tissues. While raising the arm or changing the injection site may seem like immediate solutions to ensure fluid distribution, these actions do not address the root cause of the fluid not reaching the specific area. Increasing pressure may lead to potential complications or damage to vessels that are already narrowed or blocked. Therefore, checking for occlusions remains the most logical and strategic first step to take when faced with this situation.