ABFM Death Investigation & Scene Analysis 2

Question 1

The Henssge nomogram is used in forensic pathology primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate postmortem interval using rectal and ambient temperature along with body weight

Answer

Identify bloodstain spatter patterns

Answer

Determine the trajectory of a fired projectile

Answer

Calculate skeletal age from bone density

Question 2

Which insect order is typically the first to colonize a human body after death in temperate climates?

Accepted Answer

Diptera (flies)

Answer

Coleoptera (beetles)

Answer

Hymenoptera (ants and wasps)

Answer

Lepidoptera (moths)

Question 3

The postmortem transformation of body fat into a waxy, soap-like substance is known as:

Accepted Answer

Adipocere formation

Answer

Mummification

Answer

Skeletonization

Answer

Putrefaction

Question 4

Under which circumstance should a medical examiner typically assume jurisdiction over a death?

Accepted Answer

When death is sudden, unexpected, violent, or of unknown cause

Answer

When the deceased had a documented chronic illness

Answer

Only when the family formally requests an autopsy

Answer

Only when law enforcement identifies a criminal suspect

Question 5

Petechial hemorrhages found in the conjunctiva and sclera at autopsy most commonly suggest:

Accepted Answer

Asphyxia or compression of cervical vessels

Answer

Anticoagulant poisoning

Answer

Blunt force trauma to the cranium

Answer

Severe hypertension at the time of death

Question 6

Which of the following best describes mummification as a postmortem change?

Accepted Answer

Desiccation and dehydration of tissues that inhibits decomposition and preserves the body

Answer

Conversion of body fat into a waxy substance in wet environments

Answer

Liquefaction of internal organs due to autolysis

Answer

Mineralization of bone calcium in alkaline soil

Question 7

Which of the following is correctly classified as a natural manner of death?

Accepted Answer

Death from ischemic heart disease

Answer

Drowning in a bathtub

Answer

Unintentional prescription opioid overdose

Answer

Death resulting from a fall