ABMDI Demonstrating Scientific Knowledge 2023 Updated Exam

ABMDI Demonstrating Scientific Knowledge 2023 Updated Exam Sings of Death Include: - ANSWER- -Lack of Pulse/Respiration -Absence of Heartbeat -Lack of Corneal Reflex and Pupillary Constriction -Coolness of the Body -Rigor Mortis -Livor Mortis Rigor Mortis - ANSWER- Stiffness of the body that sets in several hours after death Rigor Mortis (Continued) - ANSWER- -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 - ANSWER- The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a reddish color to the skin Livor Mortis (Continued) - ANSWER- -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 - ANSWER- In advance stages of livor mortis, the skin capillaries often rupture and cause pin point hemorrhages Eye Changes after Death - ANSWER- -Clouding (occurring 1-2 hours) -Sclera Dryness (TACHE NOIR) Body Temperature - ANSWER- -Rate at which bodies cool is NOT uniform!!! Algor Mortis - ANSWER- Cooling of the body after death Decomposition Patterns - ANSWER- 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) - ANSWER- -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) - ANSWER- -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) - ANSWER- -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 Inspect the Body (External: Abdomen) - ANSWER- -Palpate the abdomen to detect the presence of fluid or masses. -Excessive fluid may represent liver cirrhosis or failure. -Document recent and remote surgical incisions. -Trauma may not be readily apparent over the abdominal wall due to the elasticity of the tissues Inspect the Body (External: External Genitalia) - ANSWER- -Examine the external genitalia in the MALE for masses, ulcerations, and surgery. -Note the presence or absence of circumcision -IN FEMALE, examine for prolapse of the uterus, masses, trauma, and ulcerations Inspect the Body (External: Lower Extremities) - ANSWER- -Fractures of the hip are usually indicated by the shortening and external rotation of the limbs -Look for any trauma, fractures, burns, and scratches. -Ascertain the presence of edema or brownish discoloration, suggestive of congestive heart failure. Inspect the Body (External: Upper Extremities) - ANSWER- -Examine color and appearance of fingernails (torn or fractured fingernails may indicate a struggle. -DO NOT attempt to fingerprint the decedent until trace evidence has been recovered. -Examine the antecubital fossae of the arm for the presence of perforations or hemorrhage, which may indicate drug abuse. -Examine wrists for scarring, suggestive of past suicide attempts