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. When a forensic nurse is called as a rebuttal witness, her function is to: → Counter or refute specific testimony offered by the opposing party's witness
2. Which of the following represents a nurse's duty when encountering a conflict between institutional policy and a patient's legal rights? → Prioritize the patient's legal rights and advocate for policy review
3. Which body fluid is most likely to fluoresce under an alternate light source (ALS) during a sexual assault examination? → Semen
4. A forensic nurse is asked to use a scale model of injuries to illustrate testimony. Before doing so, she must ensure the demonstrative exhibit has been: → Admitted or accepted by the court as a demonstrative aid
5. A forensic nurse documents 'patterned injury' on a victim. This term refers to: → Wounds whose shape reflects the object that caused them, linking injury to weapon
6. 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
7. A forensic nurse is assessing a human trafficking victim. Which behavioral indicator is most consistent with trafficking victimization? → Patient is unable to speak without a companion present, lacks ID, and appears coached
8. When a forensic nurse discovers a discrepancy between her written report and her testimony mid-trial, the best course of action is to: → Acknowledge the discrepancy, clarify what is accurate, and explain any difference
9. When a forensic nurse documents an injury as 'consistent with the stated mechanism,' this phrasing MOST appropriately reflects which professional standard? → Objective, scope-appropriate language that does not overstate clinical certainty
10. What legal principle ensures a patient’s right to refuse care? → Autonomy
11. Which body region would be LEAST expected to show bruising from accidental causes in a non-mobile infant? → Buttocks and lower back
12. Which action by a forensic nurse would constitute a HIPAA violation in the context of law enforcement cooperation? → Proactively sharing patient information with police without a legal basis
13. A 'sentinel injury' in the context of child maltreatment BEST refers to: → A minor injury that precedes and signals a pattern of abuse
14. A patient discloses during a forensic exam that they want to harm someone specific after they are discharged. What is the forensic nurse's obligation? → Warn the intended victim and notify appropriate authorities per the duty to protect
15. When law enforcement requests a forensic nurse's clinical notes under a subpoena, the nurse's first action should be to: → Notify hospital legal counsel before releasing any records
16. Which type of wound characteristic best distinguishes an entrance gunshot wound from an exit wound? → Exit wounds are always larger and more irregular with no marginal abrasion ring
17. Why is time-stamping evidence important? → To track evidence chronology and accountability
18. Which feature distinguishes stalking from ordinary unwanted contact in a legal and clinical context? → A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact that causes the victim to fear for their safety
19. Which legal doctrine allows a court to seal medical records from public disclosure during litigation? → Protective order
20. What is an ethical conflict forensic nurses may face? → Balancing patient autonomy with legal mandates
21. In elder abuse assessment, which finding should be most concerning for physical abuse rather than accidental injury? → Bruises in various stages of healing located on the trunk and buttocks
22. Which container is most appropriate for collecting biological evidence? → Paper bag
23. 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
24. Which statement about mandatory reporting of IPV for adult patients is accurate in most US states? → Adult IPV is generally not mandatorily reportable; the adult retains reporting autonomy
25. Which legal principle protects a patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare? → Autonomy
26. The forensic nurse documents that a patient exhibits 'flat affect' during the assault history interview. This finding most likely reflects: → A normal trauma response involving emotional numbing and dissociation
27. 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.
28. What is a forensic nurse’s responsibility when witnessing abuse? → Report suspected abuse as required by law
29. Which finding is MOST specific for strangulation injury even when external neck marks are absent? → Petechial hemorrhages above the compression point
30. What does 'informed consent' require a healthcare provider to disclose before a forensic examination? → The purpose, procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives