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 forensic value of documenting rigor mortis at a death scene?
Answer: To estimate the postmortem interval
Rigor mortis follows a predictable timeline of onset, peak, and resolution, making it a key tool for estimating how long ago death occurred.
Which postmortem change refers to the purplish-red discoloration of skin caused by gravitational pooling of blood in dependent areas?
Answer: Livor mortis
Livor mortis (lividity) is the purplish-red discoloration resulting from blood pooling in the lowest body areas after cardiac activity ceases.
Algor mortis refers to which postmortem phenomenon?
Answer: Cooling of the body after death
Algor mortis describes the postmortem cooling of the body, which occurs at approximately 1–1.5°C per hour under normal indoor conditions.
Under standard indoor conditions, approximately how much does core body temperature drop per hour after death?
Answer: 1–1.5°C
Under standard conditions (ambient temperature ~20°C), core body temperature drops approximately 1–1.5°C per hour, though clothing, body mass, and environment alter this rate.
Fixed livor mortis that is inconsistent with a body's current position most likely indicates:
Answer: The body was moved after lividity became fixed
Once lividity fixes (typically 6–12 hours post-death), it will not shift with repositioning; a mismatch between lividity pattern and body position suggests postmortem movement.
Which of the following best defines 'manner of death' in forensic investigations?
Answer: The circumstances under which the cause of death arose (natural, accident, homicide, suicide, or undetermined)
Manner of death classifies death into five categories—natural, accident, homicide, suicide, or undetermined—reflecting the circumstances rather than the medical cause.
What is the primary purpose of maintaining chain of custody during a death investigation?
Answer: To preserve evidence integrity and ensure admissibility in court
Chain of custody documents every person who handles evidence, preserving its integrity and ensuring it is credible and legally admissible in judicial proceedings.