ABFM Injury Documentation and Evidence Handling 3

Question 1

Which wound characteristic most reliably distinguishes an entrance gunshot wound from an exit wound in intermediate-range fire?

Accepted Answer

Abraded collar (abrasion ring) at the entrance

Answer

The abraded collar forms as the bullet's spinning motion scrapes the skin margin at entrance, a feature absent at exit wounds.

Question 2

A forensic examiner notes parallel linear lacerations on a victim's wrists. The MOST accurate forensic description is:

Accepted Answer

Hesitation marks suggesting self-inflicted injury

Answer

Multiple parallel, shallow, linear cuts on wrists are classic hesitation marks associated with self-inflicted sharp force injury.

Question 3

Which body fluid stain fluoresces most reliably under alternate light source (ALS) examination at 415–450 nm?

Accepted Answer

Semen

Answer

Semen contains flavin compounds that produce strong fluorescence under ALS wavelengths around 415–450 nm, aiding detection on varied surfaces.

Question 4

A scale reference marker must be included in forensic wound photographs to:

Accepted Answer

Allow accurate size determination in court exhibits

Answer

A scale (ruler) in the image allows courts and experts to determine true wound dimensions, which is essential for injury comparison and documentation.

Question 5

Petechial hemorrhages in the conjunctivae and skin are classically associated with which mechanism of injury?

Accepted Answer

Asphyxia causing increased venous pressure

Answer

Asphyxia raises venous pressure in the head and neck, rupturing small capillaries and producing petechiae in the conjunctivae, face, and skin.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM Injury Documentation and Evidence Handling 3