Victim Assessment and 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 Victim Assessment and Documentation flashcards as text
Which legal concept protects a victim's prior sexual history from being introduced in court during a sexual assault trial?
Answer: Rape shield laws
Rape shield laws prohibit introduction of a victim's prior sexual history as evidence in assault prosecutions, protecting victim dignity and evidence focus.
A forensic nurse documents a wound as '2 cm x 1 cm ecchymosis on the left upper arm at the 3 o'clock position.' What documentation principle does this reflect?
Answer: Objective, measured, and anatomically referenced injury documentation
Using precise measurements and anatomical clock-face orientation exemplifies objective, reproducible forensic documentation standards.
When performing a forensic assessment on a victim who does not speak English, the forensic nurse should:
Answer: Use a qualified, neutral medical interpreter and document interpreter use in the record
A qualified neutral interpreter ensures accurate communication, protects confidentiality, and meets professional and legal standards for informed consent and disclosure.
The term 'mandated reporter' in the context of forensic nursing primarily refers to:
Answer: A legal obligation to report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or other defined conditions to authorities
Mandated reporter laws require forensic nurses to notify designated authorities when they identify or reasonably suspect abuse of protected populations.
In SANE practice, which action violates the principle of trauma-informed care during the forensic examination?
Answer: Asking the patient repeatedly to confirm details of the assault during evidence collection
Repeated questioning about assault details during examination retraumatizes the patient; history-taking and evidence collection should be separated and handled sensitively.
Which type of wound pattern is most commonly associated with defensive injuries in assault victims?
Answer: Lacerations and abrasions on the ulnar forearms and dorsal hands
Victims instinctively raise their forearms and hands to block blows, resulting in ulnar forearm and dorsal hand injuries characteristic of defensive wounds.
A forensic nurse is asked to release a patient's sexual assault evidence kit to law enforcement. The correct procedure is to:
Answer: Obtain written patient authorization if required by jurisdiction, document chain of custody transfer, and obtain officer signature
Evidence release requires documented chain of custody transfer with officer identification and signature, and patient authorization requirements vary by state law.