Injury Documentation and Evidence Handling 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 Injury Documentation and Evidence Handling flashcards as text
Which wound characteristic most reliably distinguishes an entrance gunshot wound from an exit wound in intermediate-range fire?
Answer: Abraded collar (abrasion ring) at the entrance
The abraded collar forms as the bullet's spinning motion scrapes the skin margin at entrance, a feature absent at exit wounds.
A forensic examiner notes parallel linear lacerations on a victim's wrists. The MOST accurate forensic description is:
Answer: Hesitation marks suggesting self-inflicted injury
Multiple parallel, shallow, linear cuts on wrists are classic hesitation marks associated with self-inflicted sharp force injury.
Which body fluid stain fluoresces most reliably under alternate light source (ALS) examination at 415–450 nm?
Answer: Semen
Semen contains flavin compounds that produce strong fluorescence under ALS wavelengths around 415–450 nm, aiding detection on varied surfaces.
A scale reference marker must be included in forensic wound photographs to:
Answer: Allow accurate size determination in court exhibits
A scale (ruler) in the image allows courts and experts to determine true wound dimensions, which is essential for injury comparison and documentation.
Petechial hemorrhages in the conjunctivae and skin are classically associated with which mechanism of injury?
Answer: Asphyxia causing increased venous pressure
Asphyxia raises venous pressure in the head and neck, rupturing small capillaries and producing petechiae in the conjunctivae, face, and skin.
When transferring biological evidence between agencies, the MINIMUM information required on the evidence transfer form includes:
Answer: Case number, item description, transferor signature, date/time, and recipient signature
A complete chain of custody transfer requires case identifier, item description, and documented signatures with dates/times from both transferring and receiving parties.
An abrasion pattern showing parallel linear marks in a single direction is most consistent with:
Answer: Unidirectional scraping (brush abrasion) across a rough surface
Parallel linear abrasions result from skin dragging over a rough surface in one direction, classically seen in falls or drags on pavement.