Minnesota State Mortician Practice Exam

What guideline must be followed for moving a deceased body?

1. The body must be stored at room temperature

2. The cause of death must be clearly stated

3. The body must be covered at all times

4. The body must not be moved without embalming

The correct answer is: The body must be covered at all times

When moving a deceased body, it is essential to ensure that the body is covered at all times. This practice serves multiple purposes: it maintains the dignity and respect for the deceased while also adhering to health regulations and standards. Covering the body helps to preserve it from environmental factors and also assures that it is not exposed inappropriately to public view, thus upholding the ethical considerations involved in handling human remains. The other options, while they may address different aspects of body handling and funeral practices, do not capture the critical importance of covering the body during transit. For example, bodies are often kept in controlled environments rather than at room temperature to prevent decomposition. Additionally, while stating the cause of death is important for legal and medical records, it is not a practical necessity when moving the body. Lastly, while embalming can be required in some circumstances, it is not a universal guideline for moving a body, especially in situations before formal services or in cases where immediate transfer is necessary.