ABMDI Manner and Cause of Death Determination 2

Question 1

A death is ruled a homicide. What does this specifically indicate about the manner of death?

Accepted Answer

The death resulted from the actions of another person, regardless of legal intent

Answer

A homicide ruling means the death was caused by the actions of another person; it is a medical/legal classification and does not imply criminal intent or guilt.

Question 2

Which of the following deaths would most likely be classified as 'natural' manner of death?

Accepted Answer

Death from a heart attack in a person with severe coronary artery disease and no trauma

Answer

Death from cardiac disease in a person with established coronary artery disease, without contributing trauma or external factors, is classified as natural.

Question 3

An elderly man is found dead at home with no witnesses. The scene and medical history suggest natural death, but no physician is available to certify. What is the MDI's role?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough scene investigation and examination to support or refute natural manner, assisting the certifying physician

Answer

The MDI conducts a comprehensive scene and body examination to gather findings that support the certifying authority in accurately determining and certifying cause and manner of death.

Question 4

What is the difference between 'mechanism of death' and 'cause of death'?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism is the physiological derangement causing death; cause is the disease or injury that produced the mechanism

Answer

Mechanism of death is the physiological disruption (e.g., cardiac arrest, exsanguination) that caused death, while cause of death is the underlying disease or injury that produced that mechanism.

Question 5

A suicide determination requires which of the following elements to be established?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that the decedent intentionally caused their own death

Answer

Suicide requires evidence of intentional self-inflicted death; a suicide note is common but not required, and absence of a note does not rule out suicide.

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI Manner and Cause of Death Determination 2