ABMDI Forensic Science Applications 2

Question 1

Which of the following describes the principle of Locard's Exchange?

Accepted Answer

Every person at a scene leaves something behind and takes something away

Answer

Locard's Exchange Principle states that whenever two objects come into contact, there is a transfer of material between them. This is the foundational principle of trace evidence.

Question 2

Forensic anthropology is most useful to an MDI investigation when:

Accepted Answer

Skeletal or highly decomposed remains must be assessed for biological profile (age, sex, ancestry, stature)

Answer

Forensic anthropologists specialize in analyzing skeletal and highly decomposed remains to estimate biological profile and detect trauma.

Question 3

In a suspected drowning death, which autopsy finding is commonly associated with drowning but is NOT pathognomonic (specific) for it?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema and water in the airways

Answer

Pulmonary edema and water in the airways are common in drowning but can also occur in other causes of death. They are not diagnostic of drowning alone.

Question 4

What does stippling (tattooing) at a gunshot wound indicate about the firing distance?

Accepted Answer

The shot was fired within an intermediate range (approximately 6 inches to 3-4 feet), close enough for unburned gunpowder to embed in skin

Answer

Stippling (powder tattooing) is caused by unburned or partially burned gunpowder particles embedding in the skin, which only occurs within intermediate range.

Question 5

Which toxicological specimen is preferred for postmortem analysis to avoid postmortem redistribution artifacts?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral blood from the femoral vein

Answer

Femoral vein (peripheral) blood is preferred because it is furthest from drug-rich tissues (gut, liver, lung), minimizing postmortem redistribution artifacts.

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI Forensic Science Applications 2