Which of the following are the three goals of embalming?

• A. Disinfection; Temporary Preservation; Restoration
• B. Sanitation; Sterilization; Restoration
• C. Disinfection; Sterilization; Preservation
• D. Disinfection; Temporary Preservation; Sanitation

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is what embalming aims to achieve for a body prepared for viewing. Embalming focuses on three practical goals: first, disinfection to reduce or eliminate disease-causing organisms, protecting funeral staff and others who handle the body; second, temporary preservation to slow decomposition so tissues stay looking natural for the service; and third, restoration to rebuild and refine features so the deceased presents a natural, lifelike appearance during viewing.

Disinfection is essential because it lowers biological risks. Temporary preservation uses preservative fluids to slow decay for a limited period, which is why it’s described as temporary rather than permanent. Restoration involves cosmetic techniques—setting features, repairing areas, and sometimes using fillers or wax—to achieve a likeness to the person in life.

Why the other options don’t fit: sterilization would imply eliminating all microbes, which isn’t the goal of routine embalming and isn’t necessary for a safe viewing; sanitation is about cleanliness and public-health practice rather than the specific aims of embalming; and combining disinfection with sanitation or sterilization shifts the focus away from the cosmetic and preservation goals that embalming targets.