ABFM Death Investigation & Scene Analysis 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a psychological autopsy in forensic death investigation?

Accepted Answer

To reconstruct the mental state and intent of the deceased prior to death

Answer

To determine the biochemical cause of death

Answer

To identify psychiatric drug metabolites in brain tissue

Answer

To document gross physical signs of mental illness

Question 2

Which document must be completed before a body can legally be released for burial or cremation?

Accepted Answer

Death certificate

Answer

Police incident report

Answer

Autopsy consent form

Answer

Next-of-kin notification form

Question 3

In gunshot wound analysis, stippling (tattooing) around a wound indicates:

Accepted Answer

An intermediate-range gunshot wound

Answer

A contact-range gunshot wound

Answer

A distant gunshot wound

Answer

An exit wound

Question 4

Which physical feature most reliably distinguishes an entrance wound from an exit wound in a gunshot case?

Accepted Answer

Entrance wounds typically have an abrasion collar due to bullet–skin friction

Answer

Entrance wounds are always larger than exit wounds

Answer

Exit wounds always show soot blackening from burned powder

Answer

Entrance wounds occur only on the anterior surface of the body

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of a forensic death investigator at a death scene?

Accepted Answer

Documenting scene findings, assessing postmortem changes, and coordinating body transport to the medical examiner

Answer

Performing a field autopsy to determine cause of death on-site

Answer

Identifying the criminal suspect and making arrests

Answer

Providing resuscitative care to prevent death

Question 6

On a death certificate, 'cause of death' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The disease or injury that initiated the sequence of events leading to death

Answer

The circumstances that classify the death as natural, accident, homicide, or suicide

Answer

The mechanism by which vital functions ceased

Answer

The time and location where the fatal event occurred

Question 7

At a scene where carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, which physical finding in the deceased is most consistent with this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cherry-red or bright pink lividity and skin discoloration

Answer

Pale, blanched skin with white lividity

Answer

Dark, cyanotic blue-gray skin discoloration

Answer

Extensive bilateral petechial hemorrhaging