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

Rigor mortis follows a predictable timeline of onset, peak, and resolution, making it a key tool for estimating how long ago death occurred.

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

Livor mortis (lividity) is the purplish-red discoloration resulting from blood pooling in the lowest body areas after cardiac activity ceases.

Question 3

Algor mortis refers to which postmortem phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Cooling of the body after death

Answer

Algor mortis describes the postmortem cooling of the body, which occurs at approximately 1–1.5°C per hour under normal indoor conditions.

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

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.

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

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.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM Death Investigation & Scene Analysis