ABFM Death Investigation & Scene Analysis

Question 1

What is the primary forensic value of documenting rigor mortis at a death scene?

Accepted Answer

To estimate the postmortem interval

Answer

To determine the cause of death

Answer

To identify the victim

Answer

To establish manner of death

Question 2

Which postmortem change refers to the purplish-red discoloration of skin caused by gravitational pooling of blood in dependent areas?

Accepted Answer

Livor mortis

Answer

Rigor mortis

Answer

Algor mortis

Answer

Putrefaction

Question 3

Algor mortis refers to which postmortem phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Cooling of the body after death

Answer

Skin discoloration from blood pooling

Answer

Muscle stiffening after death

Answer

Bacterial decomposition of soft tissue

Question 4

Under standard indoor conditions, approximately how much does core body temperature drop per hour after death?

Accepted Answer

1–1.5°C

Answer

0.5°C

Answer

3°C

Answer

5°C

Question 5

Fixed livor mortis that is inconsistent with a body's current position most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

The body was moved after lividity became fixed

Answer

Death occurred within the past 2 hours

Answer

The victim died from asphyxia

Answer

The ambient temperature was extremely cold

Question 6

Which of the following best defines 'manner of death' in forensic investigations?

Accepted Answer

The circumstances under which the cause of death arose (natural, accident, homicide, suicide, or undetermined)

Answer

The specific organ or system that failed at the moment of death

Answer

The time elapsed between injury and death

Answer

The medical condition that initiated the fatal chain of events

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of maintaining chain of custody during a death investigation?

Accepted Answer

To preserve evidence integrity and ensure admissibility in court

Answer

To expedite the autopsy process

Answer

To notify next of kin as quickly as possible

Answer

To determine life insurance eligibility