1
NC Pathology Exam – Funeral
Director Licensing | Latest Questions
and Answers | Graded to Pass |
Updated 2025 Edition
Overview
This comprehensive study guide features 50 verified questions from the North Carolina
Pathology Exam for Funeral Director Licensing (2025 Edition), aligned with NC Board of
Funeral Service (NCBFS) standards and NFDA/ABFSE curriculum. Questions cover
pathological conditions, microbiology, embalming implications, communicable diseases,
and postmortem changes. Based on updated 2025 materials, including CDC guidelines and NC
funeral laws (G.S. 90-210.1 et seq.).
Exam Format: 100 questions | 2 hours | 75% passing | Focus: Pathology's impact on preparation
and disposition.
Questions with Answers
1. What is the primary cause of rigor mortis?
A) Autolysis
B) Depletion of ATP in muscle fibers
C) Bacterial action
D) Formaldehyde injection
Answer: B) Depletion of ATP in muscle fibers
Rationale: Rigor mortis results from ATP depletion, causing actin-myosin cross-bridges
to lock muscles (onset 2-4 hours postmortem, peaks 12 hours).
2. Which pathological condition is characterized by rapid tissue decomposition due to
bacterial overgrowth?
A) Putrefaction
B) Autolysis
C) Saponification
, 2
D) Adipocere formation
Answer: A) Putrefaction
Rationale: Putrefaction is anaerobic bacterial breakdown producing gases and odors;
embalming delays it but cannot prevent if advanced.
3. In embalming a body with HIV/AIDS, the primary concern is:
A) No special precautions needed
B) Universal precautions for all bloodborne pathogens
C) Avoid arterial injection
D) Use double bags only
Answer: B) Universal precautions for all bloodborne pathogens
Rationale: HIV is treated like any BBP (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030); PPE, sharps safety,
and disinfection are key.
4. What is the most common cause of death in the U.S., influencing funeral
preparation?
A) Cancer
B) Heart disease
C) Stroke
D) COVID-19
Answer: B) Heart disease
Rationale: CDC 2025 data: Heart disease (695,000 deaths/year); often involves
anticoagulants, affecting embalming.
5. Tuberculosis (TB) in remains requires:
A) No embalming
B) Closed-casket only
C) PPE and ventilation during preparation
D) Immediate cremation
Answer: C) PPE and ventilation during preparation
Rationale: TB is airborne; use N95 masks, embalming in ventilated area (NC Funeral
Board Guidelines).
6. Autolysis is the:
A) Self-digestion by cellular enzymes
B) Bacterial decomposition
C) Postmortem lividity
D) Green discoloration
Answer: A) Self-digestion by cellular enzymes
NC Pathology Exam – Funeral
Director Licensing | Latest Questions
and Answers | Graded to Pass |
Updated 2025 Edition
Overview
This comprehensive study guide features 50 verified questions from the North Carolina
Pathology Exam for Funeral Director Licensing (2025 Edition), aligned with NC Board of
Funeral Service (NCBFS) standards and NFDA/ABFSE curriculum. Questions cover
pathological conditions, microbiology, embalming implications, communicable diseases,
and postmortem changes. Based on updated 2025 materials, including CDC guidelines and NC
funeral laws (G.S. 90-210.1 et seq.).
Exam Format: 100 questions | 2 hours | 75% passing | Focus: Pathology's impact on preparation
and disposition.
Questions with Answers
1. What is the primary cause of rigor mortis?
A) Autolysis
B) Depletion of ATP in muscle fibers
C) Bacterial action
D) Formaldehyde injection
Answer: B) Depletion of ATP in muscle fibers
Rationale: Rigor mortis results from ATP depletion, causing actin-myosin cross-bridges
to lock muscles (onset 2-4 hours postmortem, peaks 12 hours).
2. Which pathological condition is characterized by rapid tissue decomposition due to
bacterial overgrowth?
A) Putrefaction
B) Autolysis
C) Saponification
, 2
D) Adipocere formation
Answer: A) Putrefaction
Rationale: Putrefaction is anaerobic bacterial breakdown producing gases and odors;
embalming delays it but cannot prevent if advanced.
3. In embalming a body with HIV/AIDS, the primary concern is:
A) No special precautions needed
B) Universal precautions for all bloodborne pathogens
C) Avoid arterial injection
D) Use double bags only
Answer: B) Universal precautions for all bloodborne pathogens
Rationale: HIV is treated like any BBP (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030); PPE, sharps safety,
and disinfection are key.
4. What is the most common cause of death in the U.S., influencing funeral
preparation?
A) Cancer
B) Heart disease
C) Stroke
D) COVID-19
Answer: B) Heart disease
Rationale: CDC 2025 data: Heart disease (695,000 deaths/year); often involves
anticoagulants, affecting embalming.
5. Tuberculosis (TB) in remains requires:
A) No embalming
B) Closed-casket only
C) PPE and ventilation during preparation
D) Immediate cremation
Answer: C) PPE and ventilation during preparation
Rationale: TB is airborne; use N95 masks, embalming in ventilated area (NC Funeral
Board Guidelines).
6. Autolysis is the:
A) Self-digestion by cellular enzymes
B) Bacterial decomposition
C) Postmortem lividity
D) Green discoloration
Answer: A) Self-digestion by cellular enzymes
