ABMDI Demonstrating Scientific Knowledge exam 2023 with 100% correct answers

Sings of Death Include: -Lack of Pulse/Respiration -Absence of Heartbeat -Lack of Corneal Reflex and Pupillary Constriction -Coolness of the Body -Rigor Mortis -Livor Mortis Rigor Mortis Stiffness of the body that sets in several hours after death Rigor Mortis (Continued) -Starts in the smaller muscles (jaw, extremities) *First Indicator appears after 2-4 hours* *Maximum Indicator is after 8-12 hours* -Onset and Dissipation of rigor is rapid in children compared to adults Livor Mortis The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a reddish color to the skin Livor Mortis (Continued) -Takes approximately 2-4 hours to develop -As interval extends, the livor becomes fixed and will not blanch on pressure -Generally, livor is fixed after 8-12 hours after death Tardieu Spots In advance stages of livor mortis, the skin capillaries often rupture and cause pin point hemorrhages Eye Changes after Death -Clouding (occurring 1-2 hours) -Sclera Dryness (TACHE NOIR) Body Temperature -Rate at which bodies cool is NOT uniform!!! Algor Mortis Cooling of the body after death Decomposition Patterns 24 hours: greenish discoloration of right, lower abdomen 24-36 hours: greenish discoloration of the abdomen 36-48 hours: marbling, bloating of the face 48-60 hours: desiccation (drying) of the fingertips 60-72 hours: bloating of the body (purging) 4-7 days: skin blebs, hair sloughing, skin slippage days-weeks: dehydration of the body tissues weeks-months: adipocere, mummification, skeletonization Inspect the Body (External: Head) -Examine the scalp for hidden trauma! -Lacerations may stick together; bullet wounds may be obscured -Inspect ears for hemorrhage/foreign bodies -Evaluate eyes for petechial hemorrhages, jaundice, or trauma -Oral cavity may reveal trauma, foreign bodies, or evidence of poor hygiene -Nasal Septum may be perforated due to chronic cocaine abuse Inspect the Body (External: Neck) -Any identifiable trauma should be documented -DO NOT recover specimens from neck veins of homicide victims (it might create trauma) -View the posterior neck as well! -Examine the neck for evidence of enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid, and/or other masses -Palpate the neck with PASSIVE flexion and extension to reveal fractures Inspect the Body (External: Chest) -Examine the dimensions of the chest, documenting the anterior-posterior size -An enlarged, barrel-shaped chest is a sign of chronic lung disease. -Palpate the breasts for any masses