Massachusetts Funeral Director Practice Exam

Which arteries need to be clamped for full post-injection of the Subclavian?

1. Internal Thoracic Artery

2. Radial Artery

3. Femoral Artery

4. Vertebral Artery

The correct answer is: Internal Thoracic Artery

Clamping the Internal Thoracic Artery is crucial when performing a post-injection of the Subclavian artery because it serves as a significant source of collateral circulation to the upper extremities. If this artery is not clamped, blood could continue to flow through it, potentially diluting the embalming solution and impairing the effectiveness of the injection. The Internal Thoracic Artery branches directly from the Subclavian and runs down the anterior thoracic wall, supplying the breast and chest wall with blood. By clamping this artery, the embalming solution can be more effectively distributed through the intended pathways without interference from collateral circulation, ensuring a more thorough and uniform preservation of the bodily tissues. Although the other arteries mentioned might be of relevance in broader anatomical or embalming contexts, they do not play as direct a role in the injection procedure concerning the Subclavian artery as the Internal Thoracic Artery does. Therefore, for the specific goal of achieving full post-injection results when dealing with the Subclavian, clamping the Internal Thoracic Artery is the correct approach.