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

A psychological autopsy uses interviews, records, and behavioral data to reconstruct the decedent's psychological state, most often to differentiate suicide from accidental death.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Death certificate

Answer

A death certificate is the legally required document signed by an authorized physician or medical examiner before disposition of human remains can proceed.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

An intermediate-range gunshot wound

Answer

Stippling results from unburned powder particles embedding in skin, which occurs only at intermediate range (roughly 15 cm to 60–90 cm) before particles disperse too widely.

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

The abrasion collar (marginal abrasion) is caused by the bullet's rotation and drag abrading skin as it passes through, a characteristic feature of entrance wounds.

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

The forensic death investigator's scene role centers on documentation, postmortem change assessment, evidence preservation, and liaison with the medical examiner's office—not final determination.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM Death Investigation & Scene Analysis 3