North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

Where must a funeral home permanently mark a dead human body for identification?

1. The ankle or wrist of the dead human body

2. The chest or back

3. The toe or finger

4. The head or face

The correct answer is: The ankle or wrist of the dead human body

The correct answer is that a funeral home must permanently mark a dead human body for identification at the ankle or wrist of the deceased. This practice is mandated for various reasons, primarily to ensure clear and consistent identification of the body throughout the handling process. Marking the ankle or wrist allows for a discrete yet secure location that is less likely to be obscured as the body is prepared for burial or cremation. This identification method helps maintain the integrity and accuracy of funeral practices, especially in situations where multiple bodies may be present, such as in a mass fatality incident or during the transfer of human remains. Other options like the chest or back, toe or finger, and head or face are less commonly used for permanent identification markings due to practical considerations. For instance, markings on the head or face could be visible during public viewings and may be deemed inappropriate or distressing for grieving families. Similarly, toe or finger markings might not be as visible or accessible as those on the ankle or wrist, which can create complications in ensuring proper identification when necessary. Therefore, marking at the ankle or wrist is both effective and respectful in the context of funeral law practices.