NYC Forensic Mortuary Technician
(Office of Chief Medical Examiner)
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
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1. A technician receives a decedent with no identification and rigor mortis is
fully developed. What is the most appropriate first action?
A. Begin embalming preparation
B. Assign a temporary case number and secure remains
C. Contact family for identification
D. Photograph only the face
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: The priority is establishing a case identifier and maintaining chain of
custody before any handling or processing.
2. During intake, which document is MOST critical for legal transfer of
remains?
A. Death certificate draft
B. Property release form
C. Chain of custody record
D. Hospital billing statement
Answer: C (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: The chain of custody record ensures legal accountability and
traceability of remains.
, 3. A body shows livor mortis that does not shift when repositioned. This
indicates:
A. Early decomposition
B. Fixed lividity
C. Hypothermia death
D. Embalming effect
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Fixed lividity occurs when blood settles and becomes permanently
pooled.
4. Which is the PRIMARY purpose of morgue refrigeration?
A. Delay autopsy scheduling
B. Prevent tissue decomposition
C. Improve cosmetic appearance
D. Eliminate need for embalming
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Refrigeration slows microbial activity and decomposition.
5. A technician notices insect activity on a decedent. This is most consistent
with:
A. Algor mortis
B. Rigor mortis
C. Postmortem interval progression
D. Antemortem trauma
Answer: C (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Insect colonization is used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI).
6. What is the MOST appropriate PPE for handling an unidentified
decomposed body?
A. Lab coat only
B. Gloves and surgical mask
C. Full barrier protection including face shield
D. No PPE if refrigerated
, Answer: C (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Decomposed remains require maximum barrier protection due to
biohazard risk.
7. Which organ is MOST useful in forensic toxicology screening?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Gallbladder only
D. Appendix
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: The liver metabolizes toxins and is key in toxicology analysis.
8. A decedent arrives with suspected drug overdose. The technician’s role is
to:
A. Determine cause of death
B. Collect and preserve evidence samples
C. Notify media
D. Perform toxicology interpretation
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Technicians collect and preserve specimens, not interpret cause of
death.
9. What is the first step when receiving a body with personal effects?
A. Discard items
B. Inventory and secure items
C. Return items to family immediately
D. Clean items before documentation
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: All personal effects must be documented and secured under chain of
custody.
10.Rigor mortis typically begins within:
A. 1–2 minutes
(Office of Chief Medical Examiner)
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf A+ Grade
Guarantee Verified By Professionals
1. A technician receives a decedent with no identification and rigor mortis is
fully developed. What is the most appropriate first action?
A. Begin embalming preparation
B. Assign a temporary case number and secure remains
C. Contact family for identification
D. Photograph only the face
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: The priority is establishing a case identifier and maintaining chain of
custody before any handling or processing.
2. During intake, which document is MOST critical for legal transfer of
remains?
A. Death certificate draft
B. Property release form
C. Chain of custody record
D. Hospital billing statement
Answer: C (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: The chain of custody record ensures legal accountability and
traceability of remains.
, 3. A body shows livor mortis that does not shift when repositioned. This
indicates:
A. Early decomposition
B. Fixed lividity
C. Hypothermia death
D. Embalming effect
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Fixed lividity occurs when blood settles and becomes permanently
pooled.
4. Which is the PRIMARY purpose of morgue refrigeration?
A. Delay autopsy scheduling
B. Prevent tissue decomposition
C. Improve cosmetic appearance
D. Eliminate need for embalming
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Refrigeration slows microbial activity and decomposition.
5. A technician notices insect activity on a decedent. This is most consistent
with:
A. Algor mortis
B. Rigor mortis
C. Postmortem interval progression
D. Antemortem trauma
Answer: C (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Insect colonization is used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI).
6. What is the MOST appropriate PPE for handling an unidentified
decomposed body?
A. Lab coat only
B. Gloves and surgical mask
C. Full barrier protection including face shield
D. No PPE if refrigerated
, Answer: C (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Decomposed remains require maximum barrier protection due to
biohazard risk.
7. Which organ is MOST useful in forensic toxicology screening?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Gallbladder only
D. Appendix
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: The liver metabolizes toxins and is key in toxicology analysis.
8. A decedent arrives with suspected drug overdose. The technician’s role is
to:
A. Determine cause of death
B. Collect and preserve evidence samples
C. Notify media
D. Perform toxicology interpretation
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: Technicians collect and preserve specimens, not interpret cause of
death.
9. What is the first step when receiving a body with personal effects?
A. Discard items
B. Inventory and secure items
C. Return items to family immediately
D. Clean items before documentation
Answer: B (Correct Answer) ✓
Rationale: All personal effects must be documented and secured under chain of
custody.
10.Rigor mortis typically begins within:
A. 1–2 minutes
