CFC CFC Forensic Pathology & Cause of Death 2

Question 1

What does the term 'cause of death' refer to in a forensic pathology context?

Accepted Answer

The disease or injury responsible for initiating the fatal sequence of events

Answer

Cause of death is the specific disease, injury, or condition that set off the sequence of events leading to death, distinct from mechanism or manner.

Question 2

Which type of wound would a forensic consultant expect from a contact gunshot wound to the head?

Accepted Answer

Stellate (star-shaped) laceration with soot and stippling

Answer

Contact gunshot wounds typically produce stellate lacerations due to gas expansion beneath the skin, along with soot and powder deposits.

Question 3

In forensic pathology, 'stippling' or 'tattooing' on the skin around a wound indicates:

Accepted Answer

The shot was fired at intermediate range

Answer

Stippling is caused by unburned or partially burned gunpowder particles embedding in the skin, occurring at intermediate range (typically 6 inches to 3–4 feet).

Question 4

A medical examiner classifies a death as 'undetermined' when:

Accepted Answer

Available evidence is insufficient to establish manner of death with reasonable certainty

Answer

Undetermined manner of death is used when the evidence does not clearly support natural, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal classification.

Question 5

Which tool is most commonly used by forensic pathologists to estimate time of death when the body is in early decomposition stages?

Accepted Answer

Vitreous humor potassium levels

Answer

Vitreous humor (fluid in the eye) potassium levels increase predictably after death and are more resistant to decomposition than blood-based markers.

(CFC) Certified Forensic Consultant Practice Test

(CFC) Certified Forensic Consultant Practice Test

CFC CFC Forensic Pathology & Cause of Death 2