ABMDI Postmortem Changes and Injuries 2

Question 1

Algor mortis refers to:

Accepted Answer

The cooling of the body after death to ambient temperature

Answer

Algor mortis is the gradual cooling of the body after death toward the ambient environmental temperature.

Question 2

Which stage of decomposition is characterized by the body turning green, bloating, and the development of strong odor?

Accepted Answer

Bloat (putrefaction) stage

Answer

The bloat/putrefaction stage is marked by gas production from bacterial activity, causing abdominal distension, skin discoloration to green-black, fluid purging, and strong odor.

Question 3

A decedent is found outdoors in summer with extensive insect activity and green discoloration of the abdomen. The estimated postmortem interval is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Greater than 3 days (72+ hours)

Answer

Green abdominal discoloration indicating putrefaction and significant insect activity suggest a postmortem interval of more than 72 hours, especially in summer heat.

Question 4

Which postmortem change would be least reliable for estimating time of death in a decedent found in an outdoor environment with temperature fluctuations?

Accepted Answer

Body temperature (algor mortis) using the standard Henssge nomogram

Answer

Algor mortis calculations based on standard nomograms assume steady ambient temperatures. Outdoor temperature fluctuations make these calculations unreliable.

Question 5

Adipocere formation as a postmortem change requires which environmental conditions?

Accepted Answer

Warm, moist, anaerobic environments (wet soil, submerged water, airtight enclosures)

Answer

Adipocere (saponification of body fat) forms in warm, moist, anaerobic conditions that favor hydrolysis and hydrogenation of fat into a waxy, soap-like substance.

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI Postmortem Changes and Injuries 2