CFN Evidence Collection Process 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When collecting trace evidence from a sexual assault victim's clothing, which technique is most appropriate for recovering loose fibers and hair?
- Wet swabbing the garment surface
- Tape lifting with clear adhesive tape (Correct answer)
- Shaking the garment over a clean paper
- Scraping the fabric with a sterile blade
Correct answer: Tape lifting with clear adhesive tape
Tape lifting is the standard technique for collecting trace evidence such as fibers and hair from clothing surfaces.
Question 2: A forensic nurse is documenting bite mark injuries. What is the FIRST step before any swabbing or photography?
- Apply swab to moisten the area
- Measure the bite mark with a ruler
- Photograph the bite mark without a scale
- Sketch the bite mark location on a body diagram (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Sketch the bite mark location on a body diagram
A body diagram sketch should be completed first to orient the bite mark location before any manipulation of the evidence.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the 'double-swab technique' used in forensic nursing?
- Using two swabs simultaneously on different body areas
- Swabbing first with a wet swab then a dry swab on the same area (Correct answer)
- Collecting two separate samples for prosecution and defense
- Swabbing the wound margin and then the wound center separately
Correct answer: Swabbing first with a wet swab then a dry swab on the same area
The double-swab technique involves using a wet swab to rehydrate and lift cellular material followed by a dry swab to collect residual moisture and cells.
Question 4: A patient presents with potential strangulation injuries 48 hours after the assault. What evidence collection priority should the forensic nurse focus on?
- Fingernail clippings from the victim
- Petechial hemorrhage photography
- DNA swabs from the neck area (Correct answer)
- Collection of the victim's clothing
Correct answer: DNA swabs from the neck area
DNA swabs from the neck area should be prioritized as the assailant's DNA may still be present on the skin surface even 48 hours later.
Question 5: When collecting gunshot residue (GSR) evidence from a living patient, the forensic nurse should swab which areas first?
- The face and neck
- The dominant hand dorsal and palmar surfaces (Correct answer)
- Both hands starting with the non-dominant hand
- The chest and forearms
Correct answer: The dominant hand dorsal and palmar surfaces
GSR collection should begin with the dorsal (back) and palmar surfaces of the dominant hand as this is where residue concentrates most heavily.
Question 6: Which packaging material is CONTRAINDICATED for biological evidence such as blood-stained clothing?
- Brown paper bag
- Cardboard box
- Plastic zipper bag (Correct answer)
- Paper envelope
Correct answer: Plastic zipper bag
Plastic packaging traps moisture and promotes bacterial growth that can degrade DNA and other biological evidence.
Question 7: A forensic nurse must collect reference blood samples from a sexual assault victim. What is the correct collection method?
- Dry blood card from a finger stick only
- Buccal swab collected before any oral examination
- Venipuncture into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube (Correct answer)
- Saliva collected in a sterile cup
Correct answer: Venipuncture into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube
A venipuncture sample in an EDTA tube is the standard reference blood sample for DNA profiling in sexual assault cases.
CFN Evidence Collection Process 2
When collecting trace evidence from a sexual assault victim's clothing, which technique is most appropriate for recovering loose fibers and hair?