ABMDI Scientific Knowledge Exam Questions and Correct Answers – Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Postmortem Changes, Trauma

Description: Scientific knowledge exam prep for ABMDI with verified answers. Covers rigor mortis, livor mortis, decomposition stages, body inspection, traumatic injuries, skeletal injuries, thermal burns, asphyxial deaths, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Essential forensic science prep. 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 - answerStiffness 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 - answerThe 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 - answerIn 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 Page1 Mortis - answerCooling of the body after death Decomposition Patterns - answer24 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 Page2 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 Inspect the Body (External: Back) - answer-Inspect the back for evidence of previous surgery or trauma Inspect the Body (External: Skin) - answer-Examine the skin for color, texture, inflammation, and injury. -Document any tattoos or other identifying marks Yellow jaundice (icterus) is a sign of liver failure -Cherry red lividity indicates carbon monoxide or cyanide positioning (or an artifact of temperature) COMMON MISTAKES THAT INVESTIGATORS MAKE DURING BODY INSPECTION INCLUDE: - answer1. Not removing all of the decedent's clothing when viewing the body, when permitted