Evidence Collection Process Flashcards
7 cards from real CFN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence Collection Process flashcards as text
A sexual assault victim reports that the assault occurred in a pool. Which consideration is MOST important regarding evidence collection?
Answer: Vaginal/anal swabs are still viable and should be collected immediately
Biological evidence may still be recoverable even after water immersion and swabs should be collected promptly from appropriate anatomic sites.
When labeling evidence collected during a SANE examination, which information is MANDATORY on each item?
Answer: Case number, collector's initials, date/time, and anatomic source
Each evidence item must be labeled with the case number, collector's initials, collection date/time, and the specific anatomic source for chain of custody integrity.
A forensic nurse collects pubic hair combings. What is the correct procedure for packaging this evidence?
Answer: Fold the comb and combings in clean paper, then package in a paper envelope
The comb and all combings should be folded within clean paper and placed in a paper envelope to prevent loss and allow breathability.
Which of the following injuries would the forensic nurse prioritize photographing with a measuring scale (ruler)?
Answer: Patterned bruising consistent with a belt buckle
Patterned injuries such as those from a belt buckle require scale photography because the pattern size and shape are critical forensic evidence for object identification.
A forensic nurse finds a foreign object during a pelvic examination of a sexual assault victim. What is the correct action?
Answer: Leave it in place, photograph it, then remove with gloved forceps into a labeled paper container
Foreign objects should be photographed in situ before removal, then carefully collected with forceps into a labeled container to preserve evidence.
When is it acceptable for a forensic nurse to collect evidence from an unconscious, non-consenting adult patient?
Answer: When the patient is incapacitated and collection is in their best interest and legally authorized
Evidence collection from an incapacitated patient may proceed when legally authorized and when collection serves the patient's best interests under applicable jurisdiction laws.
What is the primary reason forensic nurses use sterile, distilled water rather than saline when moistening swabs for evidence collection?
Answer: Distilled water avoids introducing sodium chloride that may interfere with some laboratory analyses
Distilled water is preferred because saline's sodium chloride content can interfere with certain PCR-based DNA analyses used in forensic laboratories.