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
A forensic nurse must testify about evidence she collected six months ago. Which documentation resource is most critical to her testimony?
Answer: Her contemporaneous forensic examination medical record
The detailed contemporaneous medical record written at the time of examination provides the most reliable foundation for accurate expert testimony.
Which body fluid is most likely to fluoresce under an alternate light source (ALS) during a sexual assault examination?
Answer: Semen
Semen contains flavins that fluoresce brightly under ALS (typically 450–500 nm wavelength), making it the primary target for ALS examination in sexual assault cases.
When photographing bite mark injuries in a forensic examination, what item should be placed adjacent to the injury in each photo?
Answer: An ABFO No. 2 scale ruler for size reference
The ABFO No. 2 scale (an L-shaped ruler with gray scale) is the forensic standard for bite mark photography as it provides accurate size reference and color calibration.
Under HIPAA and forensic nursing practice, a law enforcement officer requests a copy of a sexual assault patient's medical record without a signed release. The nurse should:
Answer: Decline and explain that a subpoena or patient authorization is required
HIPAA requires patient authorization or valid legal process (subpoena/court order) before releasing medical records to law enforcement except in specific emergency circumstances.
A forensic nurse collects fingernail scrapings from a patient who scratched her alleged attacker. These specimens should be packaged in:
Answer: Separate containers for left and right hand specimens
Left and right hand nail scrapings must be packaged separately to maintain location-specific evidence integrity and prevent cross-contamination.
Which type of wound characteristic best distinguishes an entrance gunshot wound from an exit wound?
Answer: Exit wounds are always larger and more irregular with no marginal abrasion ring
Exit wounds are typically larger and more irregular with irregular margins, while entrance wounds show an abrasion collar (marginal abrasion ring) from bullet rotation.
A forensic nurse documents that a wound has 'bridging' present. What does this finding indicate?
Answer: Strands of tissue connect the wound edges, suggesting a blunt force mechanism
Tissue bridging (strands of dermis/subcutaneous tissue crossing the wound base) is a hallmark of blunt force lacerations rather than incised (sharp force) wounds.