Investigating Infant and Child Deaths Flashcards
6 cards from real ABMDI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Investigating Infant and Child Deaths flashcards as text
What is the SUDC classification and why is it relevant to MDI work?
Answer: Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, applies to children aged 1-18 who die suddenly with no identifiable cause after investigation
SUDC is a classification for children ages 1-18 who die suddenly without explanation after thorough investigation including autopsy. It is the childhood equivalent of SIDS.
Which skeletal finding in an infant or young child is particularly associated with non-accidental trauma rather than accidental injury?
Answer: Classic metaphyseal lesions (corner fractures or bucket handle fractures) and posterior rib fractures
Classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) and posterior rib fractures are highly specific for non-accidental trauma in young children, caused by twisting and traction forces and chest squeezing respectively.
When interviewing caregivers about a sudden infant death, the MDI should be alert to which type of concerning statement?
Answer: Changing or inconsistent accounts of the circumstances preceding death
Changing or inconsistent accounts from caregivers about the circumstances preceding an infant's death are a red flag that warrants further investigation and documentation.
What is the body cooling protocol used in SUID scene investigations?
Answer: Using rectal temperature measurement at the scene to help estimate time of death alongside other postmortem changes
Rectal temperature measurement at the scene, combined with ambient temperature, is used as part of postmortem interval estimation in infant death investigations.
Safe Sleep guidelines (back to sleep, firm surface, alone) are relevant to MDI investigations because:
Answer: Documentation of whether safe sleep guidelines were followed helps classify sleep-related infant deaths more accurately
Documenting safe sleep circumstances (position, surface, co-sleeping, environment) is essential for accurate classification of sleep-related infant deaths.
An infant is brought to the emergency department in cardiac arrest, and staff find unusual injuries. The ER physician contacts the medical examiner. The MDI's priority is to:
Answer: Immediately respond to the hospital to document injuries, interview medical staff, review medical records, and preserve evidence before the body is moved
When an abused infant dies at the hospital, the MDI must respond immediately to document injuries, gather medical information, and preserve evidence before the body is released or cleaned.