ABMDI Medicolegal Death Investigation 2

Question 1

Which postmortem change involves the settling of blood in dependent body areas due to gravity after circulation stops?

Accepted Answer

Livor mortis

Answer

Rigor mortis

Answer

Algor mortis

Answer

Putrefaction

Question 2

An MDI arrives where the decedent is found face-down but lividity is fixed on the back. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

The body was moved after lividity fixed

Answer

Death occurred in the face-down position

Answer

Lividity is unreliable in this case

Answer

The decedent suffered a cardiac event

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the chain of custody in a death investigation?

Accepted Answer

To ensure evidence integrity and admissibility in court

Answer

To speed up evidence processing at the laboratory

Answer

To assign responsibility for autopsy scheduling

Answer

To limit access to the scene to law enforcement only

Question 4

During a scene investigation, the MDI observes maggot activity on the decedent. What is the primary investigative value of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Assists in estimating postmortem interval

Answer

Confirms manner of death as homicide

Answer

Indicates the exact cause of death

Answer

Confirms the identity of the decedent

Question 5

Which best describes the difference between cause of death and mechanism of death?

Accepted Answer

Cause is the disease or injury; mechanism is the physiological derangement leading to death

Answer

They are interchangeable terms used on the death certificate

Answer

Mechanism is listed on Part I of the death certificate; cause is listed on Part II

Answer

Cause of death is determined by law enforcement; mechanism by the medical examiner

Question 6

When documenting a suspected unattended natural death, which action should the MDI perform first upon arrival at the scene?

Accepted Answer

Ensure scene safety and confirm law enforcement has secured the area

Answer

Collect biological samples from the decedent

Answer

Photograph the decedent before touching anything

Answer

Contact the next of kin to notify them of the death