CFN Evidence Collection Process 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A forensic nurse discovers that a seal on an evidence envelope has been broken when retrieving it from storage. What is the appropriate action?
- Re-seal the envelope and continue processing
- Document the broken seal, notify the chain of custody officer, and do not use the evidence (Correct answer)
- Test the evidence anyway and note the discrepancy in the report
- Return the evidence to the submitting officer for repackaging
Correct answer: Document the broken seal, notify the chain of custody officer, and do not use the evidence
A broken seal compromises the integrity of evidence; it must be documented and the chain of custody officer notified immediately.
Question 2: When should the forensic nurse obtain oral swabs from a sexual assault victim who reports oral contact by the assailant?
- After the victim has eaten or drunk to stimulate saliva production
- Before the victim eats, drinks, or brushes teeth (Correct answer)
- Only if the assault occurred within 6 hours
- After a routine dental examination
Correct answer: Before the victim eats, drinks, or brushes teeth
Oral swabs must be collected before the patient eats, drinks, or brushes teeth to prevent degradation or loss of the assailant's DNA.
Question 3: What is the recommended time frame for collecting fingernail scrapings from a sexual assault victim who scratched the assailant?
- Within 12 hours of the assault
- Within 24 hours of the assault
- Within 72 hours of the assault (Correct answer)
- Within 7 days of the assault
Correct answer: Within 72 hours of the assault
Fingernail scrapings are recommended within 72 hours of an assault when the victim reports scratching the assailant.
Question 4: Which of the following best explains why forensic nurses should photograph injuries before and after cleaning wounds?
- To compare healing rates for medical documentation
- Pre-cleaning photos capture blood patterns and trace evidence that may be lost during wound care (Correct answer)
- Post-cleaning photos are legally more admissible than pre-cleaning photos
- To document the nurse's compliance with wound care protocols
Correct answer: Pre-cleaning photos capture blood patterns and trace evidence that may be lost during wound care
Pre-cleaning photographs preserve blood spatter patterns, trace evidence, and wound characteristics that are irretrievably lost once wounds are cleaned.
Question 5: A patient reports a sexual assault by multiple assailants. How should the forensic nurse approach evidence collection from multiple anatomic sites?
- Collect all samples simultaneously to save time
- Collect samples from each site using separate, clearly labeled swabs to avoid cross-contamination (Correct answer)
- Combine samples from similar anatomic regions into one swab set
- Focus only on the primary assault site to minimize patient discomfort
Correct answer: Collect samples from each site using separate, clearly labeled swabs to avoid cross-contamination
Each anatomic site must be swabbed with separate, labeled swabs to enable individualization of DNA profiles from multiple assailants.
Question 6: A forensic nurse is collecting anal/rectal swabs from a male patient reporting sodomy. What position best facilitates evidence collection with minimal discomfort?
- Supine with legs extended
- Left lateral decubitus (left side-lying) with knees drawn up (Correct answer)
- Standing and leaning forward
- Prone position
Correct answer: Left lateral decubitus (left side-lying) with knees drawn up
The left lateral decubitus position with knees drawn up provides optimal access to the anal area while minimizing patient discomfort.
Question 7: Which statement about the use of alternate light source (ALS) in evidence collection is CORRECT?
- ALS can only detect blood and semen
- ALS should be used after swabbing to confirm collection sites
- ALS is used before collection to identify potential biological fluid locations (Correct answer)
- ALS replaces the need for swabbing identified areas
Correct answer: ALS is used before collection to identify potential biological fluid locations
ALS is used prior to collection to identify areas of potential biological fluids by causing fluorescence, which guides subsequent swabbing.
CFN Evidence Collection Process 3
A forensic nurse discovers that a seal on an evidence envelope has been broken when retrieving it from storage.
What is the appropriate action?