CFN Evidence Collection Process 3

Question 1

A forensic nurse discovers that a seal on an evidence envelope has been broken when retrieving it from storage. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Document the broken seal, notify the chain of custody officer, and do not use the evidence

Answer

A broken seal compromises the integrity of evidence; it must be documented and the chain of custody officer notified immediately.

Question 2

When should the forensic nurse obtain oral swabs from a sexual assault victim who reports oral contact by the assailant?

Accepted Answer

Before the victim eats, drinks, or brushes teeth

Answer

Oral swabs must be collected before the patient eats, drinks, or brushes teeth to prevent degradation or loss of the assailant's DNA.

Question 3

What is the recommended time frame for collecting fingernail scrapings from a sexual assault victim who scratched the assailant?

Accepted Answer

Within 72 hours of the assault

Answer

Fingernail scrapings are recommended within 72 hours of an assault when the victim reports scratching the assailant.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why forensic nurses should photograph injuries before and after cleaning wounds?

Accepted Answer

Pre-cleaning photos capture blood patterns and trace evidence that may be lost during wound care

Answer

Pre-cleaning photographs preserve blood spatter patterns, trace evidence, and wound characteristics that are irretrievably lost once wounds are cleaned.

Question 5

A patient reports a sexual assault by multiple assailants. How should the forensic nurse approach evidence collection from multiple anatomic sites?

Accepted Answer

Collect samples from each site using separate, clearly labeled swabs to avoid cross-contamination

Answer

Each anatomic site must be swabbed with separate, labeled swabs to enable individualization of DNA profiles from multiple assailants.

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

CFN Evidence Collection Process 3