ABMDI Postmortem Changes and Injuries 2

Question 1

Algor mortis refers to:

Accepted Answer

The cooling of the body after death to ambient temperature

Answer

The stiffening of muscles after death

Answer

The discoloration of skin from blood pooling

Answer

The process of bacterial decomposition beginning internally

Question 2

Which stage of decomposition is characterized by the body turning green, bloating, and the development of strong odor?

Accepted Answer

Bloat (putrefaction) stage

Answer

Fresh stage

Answer

Active decay stage

Answer

Skeletonization stage

Question 3

A decedent is found outdoors in summer with extensive insect activity and green discoloration of the abdomen. The estimated postmortem interval is most likely:

Accepted Answer

Greater than 3 days (72+ hours)

Answer

Less than 6 hours

Answer

Exactly 24 hours

Answer

Less than 12 hours

Question 4

Which postmortem change would be least reliable for estimating time of death in a decedent found in an outdoor environment with temperature fluctuations?

Accepted Answer

Body temperature (algor mortis) using the standard Henssge nomogram

Answer

Stage of insect development (forensic entomology)

Answer

Livor mortis pattern (blanchability)

Answer

Rigor mortis progression

Question 5

Adipocere formation as a postmortem change requires which environmental conditions?

Accepted Answer

Warm, moist, anaerobic environments (wet soil, submerged water, airtight enclosures)

Answer

Dry, hot desert-like conditions

Answer

Cold, freezing temperatures

Answer

High altitude, low oxygen conditions

Question 6

A patterned injury at a death scene is forensically significant because:

Accepted Answer

The pattern may reflect the shape of the instrument or object that caused the injury, aiding in weapon identification

Answer

All patterned injuries indicate homicide

Answer

Patterned injuries are always self-inflicted

Answer

Patterned injuries cannot be documented photographically