CFN Forensic Evidence Collection & Documentation 3

Question 1

A forensic nurse must testify about evidence she collected six months ago. Which documentation resource is most critical to her testimony?

Accepted Answer

Her contemporaneous forensic examination medical record

Answer

The detailed contemporaneous medical record written at the time of examination provides the most reliable foundation for accurate expert testimony.

Question 2

Which body fluid is most likely to fluoresce under an alternate light source (ALS) during a sexual assault examination?

Accepted Answer

Semen

Answer

Semen contains flavins that fluoresce brightly under ALS (typically 450–500 nm wavelength), making it the primary target for ALS examination in sexual assault cases.

Question 3

When photographing bite mark injuries in a forensic examination, what item should be placed adjacent to the injury in each photo?

Accepted Answer

An ABFO No. 2 scale ruler for size reference

Answer

The ABFO No. 2 scale (an L-shaped ruler with gray scale) is the forensic standard for bite mark photography as it provides accurate size reference and color calibration.

Question 4

Under HIPAA and forensic nursing practice, a law enforcement officer requests a copy of a sexual assault patient's medical record without a signed release. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that a subpoena or patient authorization is required

Answer

HIPAA requires patient authorization or valid legal process (subpoena/court order) before releasing medical records to law enforcement except in specific emergency circumstances.

Question 5

A forensic nurse collects fingernail scrapings from a patient who scratched her alleged attacker. These specimens should be packaged in:

Accepted Answer

Separate containers for left and right hand specimens

Answer

Left and right hand nail scrapings must be packaged separately to maintain location-specific evidence integrity and prevent cross-contamination.

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

CFN Forensic Evidence Collection & Documentation 3