CFN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A forensic nurse documents multiple patterned injuries on a child that resemble a looped cord. What does this finding suggest? → Inflicted injury from a looped cord used as a striking implement
2. What legal principle ensures a patient’s right to refuse care? → Autonomy
3. Which body region would be LEAST expected to show bruising from accidental causes in a non-mobile infant? → Buttocks and lower back
4. A 'sentinel injury' in the context of child maltreatment BEST refers to: → A minor injury that precedes and signals a pattern of abuse
5. Why is time-stamping evidence important? → To track evidence chronology and accountability
6. What is an ethical conflict forensic nurses may face? → Balancing patient autonomy with legal mandates
7. Which container is most appropriate for collecting biological evidence? → Paper bag
8. When conducting a sexual assault forensic examination, what should the SANE do FIRST after the patient's immediate medical needs are addressed? → Obtain informed consent for the examination
9. When collecting biological samples, such as from a bite mark, what is the recommended technique to avoid contamination? → Change gloves frequently and use separate sterile swabs for each distinct area.
10. What is a forensic nurse’s responsibility when witnessing abuse? → Report suspected abuse as required by law
11. Which finding is MOST specific for strangulation injury even when external neck marks are absent? → Petechial hemorrhages above the compression point
12. When swabbing for DNA evidence during a sexual assault exam, what is the correct technique to maximize recovery? → Use two swabs with a dry-wet technique
13. Which radiologic finding is considered pathognomonic (exclusively diagnostic) for child physical abuse? → Metaphyseal corner fractures in infants
14. Which federal law mandates that states have mandatory reporting laws for child abuse and neglect as a condition of receiving federal funding? → Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
15. Why must forensic nurses use precise, descriptive language when documenting injuries? → Because documentation may be used as evidence in court proceedings months or years later
16. Which STI prophylaxis regimen is recommended for sexual assault patients per CDC guidelines? → Ceftriaxone + doxycycline + metronidazole
17. When collecting evidence, gloves should be changed between: → Handling each piece of evidence
18. What does the acronym SANE stand for in forensic nursing? → Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
19. HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after sexual assault should ideally be initiated within what time frame? → 72 hours
20. In forensic wound assessment, 'tissue bridging' within a wound cavity is pathognomonic of which injury type? → Laceration
21. Which of the following is NOT a required component of a chain of custody document for a piece of forensic evidence? → The patient's full medical diagnosis.
22. When using the clock face method for anatomical wound orientation, '12 o'clock' is consistently positioned toward which direction? → The patient's head (superior)
23. Which characteristic BEST distinguishes an incised wound from a laceration on visual inspection? → Clean, sharp edges vs. torn, irregular edges
24. Which strategy best promotes trust with a trauma-affected patient? → Providing clear information and consistency
25. A forensic nurse testifying in court is asked a question by the defense attorney. To whom should the nurse primarily direct their answer? → The judge or the jury
26. Which wound type is MOST commonly associated with defensive injuries on the upper extremities? → Blunt force contusions
27. What is the purpose of the colposcope during a sexual assault forensic examination? → To magnify and photograph anogenital injuries for documentation
28. When can a forensic nurse share confidential patient information? → Only under patient consent or legal mandate
29. A caregiver reports that a 3-month-old rolled off the couch and now has subdural hemorrhages bilaterally. What is the forensic significance of this history? → A 3-month-old cannot roll, making the history developmentally inconsistent with the injury
30. Which chain of custody action is required when transferring a sexual assault evidence kit to law enforcement? → A signed, dated receipt documenting transfer