New Jersey Jurisprudence Practice Exam

How should a body being embalmed be covered to ensure privacy?

1. With a shroud

2. With a modesty cloth

3. With a sheet

4. With a plastic cover

The correct answer is: With a modesty cloth

Covering a body being embalmed with a modesty cloth is considered the appropriate choice for ensuring privacy during the embalming process. The use of a modesty cloth aligns with the standards of respect and dignity typically upheld in funeral practices, providing coverage that is both respectful and functional. Unlike a shroud or sheet, which may be too loose or not specifically designed for this purpose, a modesty cloth is specifically intended to cover areas necessary for privacy while allowing the embalmer to perform their work effectively. Although a shroud and a sheet can provide coverage, they may not adequately address the need for both privacy and ease of access during the embalming. A plastic cover, while possibly functional for other uses, is less suitable for maintaining dignity in the context of preparing a deceased individual, as it does not convey the same level of respect associated with traditional burial practices. Therefore, the modesty cloth is the most appropriate choice to balance privacy and the needs of the embalmer during the process.