CFN Evidence Collection Process 5

Question 1

A SANE nurse is caring for a pediatric patient (age 8) reporting sexual abuse. Who must provide consent for evidence collection?

Accepted Answer

A parent or legal guardian, unless they are the alleged perpetrator

Answer

A parent or legal guardian must provide consent for a minor's examination, but if the guardian is the alleged perpetrator, alternate legal authorization must be obtained.

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the role of the forensic nurse when law enforcement requests that evidence be collected but the patient refuses?

Accepted Answer

Respect patient autonomy and decline to collect evidence without consent

Answer

Patient autonomy is paramount; evidence cannot be collected without informed consent regardless of law enforcement requests.

Question 3

When collecting dried blood evidence from intact skin, what technique should the forensic nurse use?

Accepted Answer

Moisten the area with distilled water and swab, then follow with a dry swab

Answer

The double-swab technique with a moistened swab followed by a dry swab is optimal for collecting dried biological material from skin surfaces.

Question 4

A forensic nurse notes that the assault kit will not be submitted to the crime lab immediately. What is the appropriate storage condition for biological evidence?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerated at 2–8°C in a secured, designated evidence refrigerator

Answer

Biological evidence should be refrigerated at 2–8°C in a secured evidence refrigerator to retard degradation while maintaining chain of custody.

Question 5

During evidence collection, the forensic nurse accidentally contaminates a swab by touching it to a non-target surface. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Discard the contaminated swab, obtain a new one, and document the error in the collection record

Answer

A contaminated swab must be discarded and a new one used; the error must be documented transparently in the collection record to maintain chain of custody integrity.

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

CFN Evidence Collection Process 5