Death Investigation & Scene Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Death Investigation & Scene Analysis flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a psychological autopsy in forensic death investigation?
Answer: To reconstruct the mental state and intent of the deceased prior to death
A psychological autopsy uses interviews, records, and behavioral data to reconstruct the decedent's psychological state, most often to differentiate suicide from accidental death.
Which document must be completed before a body can legally be released for burial or cremation?
Answer: Death certificate
A death certificate is the legally required document signed by an authorized physician or medical examiner before disposition of human remains can proceed.
In gunshot wound analysis, stippling (tattooing) around a wound indicates:
Answer: An intermediate-range gunshot wound
Stippling results from unburned powder particles embedding in skin, which occurs only at intermediate range (roughly 15 cm to 60–90 cm) before particles disperse too widely.
Which physical feature most reliably distinguishes an entrance wound from an exit wound in a gunshot case?
Answer: Entrance wounds typically have an abrasion collar due to bullet–skin friction
The abrasion collar (marginal abrasion) is caused by the bullet's rotation and drag abrading skin as it passes through, a characteristic feature of entrance wounds.
Which of the following best describes the role of a forensic death investigator at a death scene?
Answer: Documenting scene findings, assessing postmortem changes, and coordinating body transport to the medical examiner
The forensic death investigator's scene role centers on documentation, postmortem change assessment, evidence preservation, and liaison with the medical examiner's office—not final determination.
On a death certificate, 'cause of death' refers to:
Answer: The disease or injury that initiated the sequence of events leading to death
Cause of death on a death certificate identifies the underlying disease or injury that set the fatal chain of events in motion, listed from immediate to underlying cause.
At a scene where carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, which physical finding in the deceased is most consistent with this diagnosis?
Answer: Cherry-red or bright pink lividity and skin discoloration
Carboxyhemoglobin gives blood a bright cherry-red color, producing the characteristic cherry-red or pink lividity and skin tone seen in carbon monoxide poisoning.