Forensic Evidence Collection & Documentation 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 Forensic Evidence Collection & Documentation flashcards as text
When collecting a sexual assault evidence kit (SANE kit), what is the correct order for swabbing oral, vaginal, and anal areas?
Answer: Oral first, then vaginal, then anal
Oral swabs are collected first to prevent cross-contamination from other body areas to the mouth.
A forensic nurse is documenting blunt force injuries on a patient. Which description is most appropriate for medical-legal documentation?
Answer: 'Contusion measuring 4 cm x 3 cm on the lateral aspect of the left forearm'
Forensic documentation must be objective, precise, and anatomically descriptive without assumptions about cause or intent.
Which technique is recommended for collecting trace evidence such as hair and fibers from a victim's clothing?
Answer: Using tape lifts applied to the clothing surface
Tape lifts are the standard method for collecting trace evidence (hair, fibers, glass) from clothing surfaces without disturbing the garment.
A patient presents 72 hours after a sexual assault. Which action is most appropriate regarding forensic evidence collection?
Answer: Collect evidence per protocol since trace evidence may still be present beyond 72 hours
Evidence collection should still be performed beyond 72 hours as trace DNA, injuries, and other evidence may still be recoverable depending on circumstances.
What is the purpose of using a colposcope during a forensic sexual assault examination?
Answer: To provide magnification and photodocumentation of anogenital injuries
A colposcope provides magnification that reveals microtrauma and allows photodocumentation that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
When packaging wet biological evidence such as blood-stained clothing, a forensic nurse should:
Answer: Allow it to air dry before packaging in a paper bag
Wet biological evidence must be air dried before paper bag packaging to prevent mold growth and bacterial degradation that destroys DNA.
During a strangulation assessment, which finding would most strongly indicate manual strangulation requiring forensic documentation?
Answer: Petechial hemorrhages of the conjunctivae and facial skin
Petechial hemorrhages result from increased venous pressure during strangulation and are a highly specific forensic indicator of neck compression.