CFN Wound Assessment and Injury Documentation

Question 1

What type of wound is characterized by torn, irregular edges caused by blunt force trauma?

Accepted Answer

Laceration

Answer

Lacerations have irregular, torn edges resulting from blunt force stretching tissue beyond its elastic limits, unlike the clean edges of incised wounds.

Question 2

Which color change sequence is generally observed as a bruise heals over time?

Accepted Answer

Red/Blue-Purple → Green → Yellow/Brown

Answer

Bruises progress from red/blue-purple when fresh to green then yellow/brown as hemoglobin breaks down into biliverdin and bilirubin.

Question 3

Which wound type is MOST commonly associated with defensive injuries on the upper extremities?

Accepted Answer

Blunt force contusions

Answer

Contusions on the forearms and hands are classic defensive wounds when a victim raises their arms to block blows directed at the head or torso.

Question 4

What is the MOST reliable method for documenting wound size in forensic practice?

Accepted Answer

Photography with an ABFO No. 2 scale ruler

Answer

Photography with a standardized ABFO No. 2 ruler provides objective, reproducible wound size documentation that is admissible in court proceedings.

Question 5

A patterned injury that mirrors the shape of the weapon or object used is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Imprint contusion

Answer

An imprint (patterned) contusion reproduces the shape of the causative object — such as a belt buckle or cord pattern — within the bruised tissue.

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

CFN Wound Assessment and Injury Documentation