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ABMDI STUDY QUESTIONS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
VERIFIED ANSWERS (100% CORRECT ANSWERS)
"Abrasion - CORRECT ANSWER Superficial loss of skin by the process of friction"
"Affect - CORRECT ANSWER The conscious, subjective aspect of an emotion, typically
considered apart from bodily changes"
"Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) - CORRECT ANSWER A comprehensive
method of identifying fingerprints"
"AIDS - CORRECT ANSWER An infectious disease caused by the HIV"
"All of the following items are useful in estimating the time of death EXCEPT: a. Rigor mortis b. Maggot infection c. Newspapers accumulated at the scene d. The amount of blood present at the scene
e. Blanching of lividity - CORRECT ANSWER d. The amount of blood present at the scene"
"Ambient - CORRECT ANSWER A condition that completely surrounds or encompasses
something"
"Anecephalic - CORRECT ANSWER An infant born without a brain"
"Anemia - CORRECT ANSWER Deficiency of red blood cells"
"Aneurysm - CORRECT ANSWER An abnormal, permanent dilation of an artery, usually caused
by infection or atherosclerosis"
"Angiography - CORRECT ANSWER The radiographic visualization of blood vessels after they
are filled with contrast media"
"Anomaly - CORRECT ANSWER A marked deviation from normal; for example, congenital
defects"
"Anoxia - CORRECT ANSWER A lack of oxygen typically incompatible with life"
"Antemortem - CORRECT ANSWER Occurring before death"
"Antibody - CORRECT ANSWER A protein that attaches to or inactivates a specific antigen"
"Anticoagulant - CORRECT ANSWER A chemical that prevents blood from clotting"
"Antigen - CORRECT ANSWER A protein that stimulates the production of a specific antibody"
"Arthropod - CORRECT ANSWER Any of the phylum of the invertebrate animals that have a
jointed body and limbs"
"Artifact - CORRECT ANSWER Artificially produced injury to a body"
"Asphyxia - CORRECT ANSWER Lack of oxygen in the tissues of the body and interference with
the oxygenation of the blood"
"Autoeroticism - CORRECT ANSWER Sexual activity in which an individual indulges in private,
usually involving some form of asphyxia to heighten sexual pleasure"
"Autopsy - CORRECT ANSWER A medical examination of the decent, which includes an
external and an internal examination in which bodily tissue and fluids are recovered to determine or document the cause and/or manner of death" "The basic purpose of crime scene photography is: a. To document the crime scene b. To support the sketch of the scene c. To show the benefits of color film d. To persuade judges and juries
e. To provide educational material - CORRECT ANSWER a. To document the crime scene"
"Benign - CORRECT ANSWER A disease that is not malignant and usually has a favorable
outcome"
"Bereavement - CORRECT ANSWER Sorrow following the death of a loved one"
"Confidential (Private) Information - CORRECT ANSWER Info that is protected by law and can
be released only to certain authorized parties of that requires a court order for its release"
"Conflict of Interest - CORRECT ANSWER The actual or seeming influence or reward obtained
to perform a duty or function"
"Contamination - CORRECT ANSWER The presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of
blood or other potentially infectious material"
"Contusion - CORRECT ANSWER An injury in which the surface of the skin is intact and the
underlying tissue is crushed or otherwise injured"
"Coordinate Method of Measurement - CORRECT ANSWER Measurement of evidence from a
fixed point along a baseline"
"Coroner - CORRECT ANSWER Typically an elected official who decides whether a death
occurred under circumstances that require an autopsy, either by law or to determine manner or cause of death"
"Cremation - CORRECT ANSWER The reduction of a death human body to inorganic bone
fragments by intense heat in a specially designed chamber"
"Criminal Law - CORRECT ANSWER The body of law that deals with crimes against society and
their punishment; these laws are prosecuted by the state"
"Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) - CORRECT ANSWER A process by which emergency
personnel are offered the support necessary to reduce job-related stress"
"Cross-Examination - CORRECT ANSWER The examination of a witness by an adverse party
other than the one who has called the witness to give testimony"
"Delusion - CORRECT ANSWER A misconception about the self that does not correspond to
reality"
"Demographic Information - CORRECT ANSWER Personal identifying and specific info
regarding an individuals age, social security #, gender, address, and so on"
"Dental Records - CORRECT ANSWER Written charts and radiographs of an individuals' teeth"
"Dependent - CORRECT ANSWER The supporting surface of the body"
"Diagram - CORRECT ANSWER An illustrative outline of a tract of land, or something else that
can be projected in a linear fashion, which is not necessarily intended to be perfectly accurate"
"Dialysis - CORRECT ANSWER Separation of the components of fluids by diffusing them
through membranes"
"Diastolic Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER Resting blood pressure occurring during heart
relaxation"
"Direct Examination - CORRECT ANSWER The questioning of a witness by the party who has
called the witness to render testimony"
"Disinterment - CORRECT ANSWER The opening of a grave and removal of the body for the
purpose of reexamination or removal to another site"
"DPT Vaccination - CORRECT ANSWER An inoculation administered to prevent the infectious
diseases of diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus" "Drowning is diagnosed by: a. The combination of autopsy findings and a history of submersion b. Water of fluid in the stomach c. A history of the body being submerged d. Water or fluid in the lungs
e. Absence of traumatic injury - CORRECT ANSWER a. The combination of autopsy findings
and a history of submersion"
"Ectomy - CORRECT ANSWER A procedure done to remove something"
"Electrolytes - CORRECT ANSWER Components of a solution containing dissolved acids, bases,
or salts forming constitutes of tissue fluid, plasma, and cellular fluid"
"Funeral Director - CORRECT ANSWER An individual or corporation licensed by a state to
prepare dead human remains, other than by embalming, for interment or other means of disposal. The person also conducts funeral services and counsels decedents' families"
"Geological - CORRECT ANSWER Pertaining to the physical history of the earth, its physical
changes and processes"
"Glomerulonephritis - CORRECT ANSWER Fibrosis and scarring of the blood vessel structure in
the kidney"
"Guardianship or POA - CORRECT ANSWER Legal authorization to act on another individual's
behalf. This authority usually ceases after death, so be sure to check the law in your state"
"Hazardous Materials Unit (HAZ/MAT) - CORRECT ANSWER The agency charged with the
responsibility for planning preparedness and response actions related to spills or discharges or oil and hazardous materials into the environment"
"HBV - CORRECT ANSWER Hepatitis B virus"
"Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - CORRECT ANSWER A group of physicians and
hospitals and clinics that combine to provide medical care at a lower cost to the patients"
"Hematemesis - CORRECT ANSWER The vomiting of blood"
"Hemolysis - CORRECT ANSWER Disruption of red blood cell membrane"
"Hilt Mark - CORRECT ANSWER An abrasion near the entry of a stab wound, caused by the
knife handle"
"Histological - CORRECT ANSWER Pertaining to the microscopic structure, composition, and
function of the tissues"
"HIV - CORRECT ANSWER Human immunodeficiency"
"Hormone - CORRECT ANSWER A chemical structure produced in the body and released into
the blood, which controls the activity of another organ"
"Hypoxia - CORRECT ANSWER A decrease in the amount of oxygen in the tissue"
"Identifiable soot detected in the airway of a fire victim indicates which one of the following?: a. Breathing during the fire b. An artifact caused by the fire c. Charring of the human tissue during the fire d. The victim was a heavy smoker
e. The death was the result of the fire - CORRECT ANSWER a. Breathing during the fire"
"If a body is not identified within a reasonable time, the investigator should: a. Have the body buried, after having exhausted all scientific methods of investigation b. Put an ad in the newspaper with a description of the body and ask for the public's assistance with the identification c. Keep the body for a reasonable time and see whether anyone telephones the office looking for a missing person who fits the description of the unidentified individual d. Contact the local police department and complete an NCIC form
e. All of the above - CORRECT ANSWER e. All of the above"
"Immediately upon arriving at the scene of a death, the death investigator should do which of the following?: a. Make sure sufficient boundaries are establsied b. Be interviewed by the media c. Identify and contact the law enforcement officer in charge d. Assign an officer to guard the scene if the investigator suspects problmes
e. All of the above - CORRECT ANSWER c. Identify and contact the law enforcement officer in
charge"
"Indigent - CORRECT ANSWER Destitute, poverty-stricken"
"In general, which of the following are NOT normally for organ/tissue procurement purposes?: a. Liver and kidneys b. Long bones and pelvis c. Reproductive organs d. Heart valves
e. Pancreas and skin - CORRECT ANSWER c. Reproductive organs"
"An intermediate-range gunshot wound is identifiable by:
"Mast Suit - CORRECT ANSWER A suit that is placed on the body and inflated to elevate the
blood pressure of victims suffering from profound shock and hypotension"
"Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - CORRECT ANSWER Descriptive data provided by the
manufacturers and distributors of hazardous materials"
"Media - CORRECT ANSWER Any news-reporting agency (newspaper, magazine, radio,
television) and its representation"
"Multiple-Fatality Incident - CORRECT ANSWER Any multiple-fatality event that exceeds the
normal capabilities and preparedness of an agency, requiring additional resources, manpower, and response from that agency"
"Narrative Report - CORRECT ANSWER An objective report of the investigative process,
written in chronological fashion"
"National Crime information Center (NCIC) - CORRECT ANSWER Unidentified-person files that
allow data on these persons to be compared via computer. Also NCIC allows data to be entered onto a computer based system that contains information regarding reported missing reports"
"Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) - CORRECT ANSWER A specialized radiographic study
that allows a several-dimensional viewing of the body part"
"Objective Report - CORRECT ANSWER A report made in an independence and unbiased
manner, without regard for personal attitudes or thoughts"
"Occupational Exposure - CORRECT ANSWER Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous
membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material while performing one's job"
"Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) - CORRECT ANSWER The agency responsible for
identifying potential donors, obtaining consent, and procuring organs"
"Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - CORRECT ANSWER Part of the U.S.
Department of Labor; the regulatory and enforcement agency for safety and health in most U.S. industrial sites"
"Osteoporosis - CORRECT ANSWER Decrease in bone calcification, which results in easy
fracture"
"Ostomy - CORRECT ANSWER An operative procedure in which an artificial opening is
created"
"Other potentially infectious materials: - CORRECT ANSWER Semen, vaginal fluid,
cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and any fluid visibly contaminated with blood"
"Overlying - CORRECT ANSWER The act of one person smothering (asphyxiating) another by
lying over him/her"
"Panning - CORRECT ANSWER Recording video of a scene, starting at point A and slowly
moving the camera across the scene to point B"
"Paranoia - CORRECT ANSWER Excessive suspiciousness or distrustfulness"
"Parenteral - CORRECT ANSWER Muscous membrane or skin barrier that can be penetrated
by such things as needle sticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions"
"Pathologist - CORRECT ANSWER A physician trained in the identification and diagnosis of
disease and injury who may perform autopsies" "The pathologist must be alerted to religious requests from the family: a. Before the victim's body is taken from the hospital b. After the autopsy, before the body is taken to the funeral home c. Only if religion requires it d. Before the autopsy is performed
e. Before the victim's body is taken from the scene - CORRECT ANSWER d. Before the autopsy
is performed"
"Pedigree - CORRECT ANSWER The list of ancestors on a person's family tree"
"Peripheral Blood - CORRECT ANSWER Blood recovered from arteries and veins in the
extremities or head regions Blood contained in veins, located outside of the heart and aorta"
"Public Information - CORRECT ANSWER Info that the public has a legal right to know that
cannot be withheld"
"Pulmonary Edema - CORRECT ANSWER Accumulation of fluid in the lung tissue and airways"
"Pyelonephritis - CORRECT ANSWER Infection of the kidney"
"Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) - CORRECT ANSWER Designed individual who is trained and
certified to handle radiation hazards"
"Radiography - CORRECT ANSWER The creation of film records of internal structures of the
body through the use of x-rays"
"Reconstruct - CORRECT ANSWER To build again, to rebuild"
"Religious Objections Orthodox Jews - object to autopsy but if needed it must be performed before sundown of the day the person died Muslims - no official concern Jheovah's Witnesses - not opposed Catholic - not opposed Laotians (Hmong) - generally opposed Mexican Catholics - opposed, unless required by law Protestants - not opposed
Native Americans - generally object to autopsy - CORRECT ANSWER A family's objection to the
performance of an autopsy based on their religious/spiritual beliefs"
"Retort - CORRECT ANSWER A vessel or chamber in which substances are decomposed by
heat"
"Rheumatic Heart Disease - CORRECT ANSWER Heart disease related to previous
streptococcal bacteria infection"
"Rigor Mortis (Rigidity) - CORRECT ANSWER Postmortem stiffening of the body"
"Scene Perimeter - CORRECT ANSWER The boundary around a death scene"
"Sclera - CORRECT ANSWER The so-called white of the eye, consisting of a tough, fibrous
tissue"
"Search and Rescue - CORRECT ANSWER Volunteers trained in scene searching, processing,
and rescue"
"Self-Inflicted - CORRECT ANSWER The infliction of injury or death on oneself"
"Sepsis - CORRECT ANSWER A toxic condition resulting from the presence of microorganisms
of their toxins in the blood"
"Serology - CORRECT ANSWER The identification of blood types"
"Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) Camera - CORRECT ANSWER The type of camera that has
interchangeable lenses"
"Statutes - CORRECT ANSWER Laws enacted by the legislative branch of government"
"Statutory - CORRECT ANSWER Authorized by law"
"Subclavian Vein - CORRECT ANSWER The large vein draining the arm, which unites with the
internal jugular vein"
"Subpoena - CORRECT ANSWER A legally enforceable order to present oneself at a specified
time and place, generally to testify or produce and authenticate documents or items"
"Succession - CORRECT ANSWER The normal development of insects through various stages"
"Suicide investigations are difficult because: a. Social and cultural stigmas often make witnesses uncooperative b. Insurance benefits are sometimes negated by a finding of suicide c. Both A and B d. The cause of death is seldom apparent
e. Suicide notes are never present at the scene - CORRECT ANSWER c. Both A and B"
"Supine - CORRECT ANSWER Lying on the back, face upward"
"Vascular - CORRECT ANSWER Pertaining to blood vessels"
"Ventricular Fibrilation - CORRECT ANSWER Abnormal heart rate, which typically results in
death"
"Verify - CORRECT ANSWER Establish or confirm the accuracy of information or evidence
through testimony"
"Vital Statistics - CORRECT ANSWER A government agency responsible for maintaining a
system of registration and release of records for the public, including birth, marriage, divorce, and death"
"Vitreous Fluid - CORRECT ANSWER The clear, thick fluid that fills the eyeball"
"When a decedent is discovered in a public place and a crowd has gathered, the investigator should: a. Immediately move the body to the morgue and evaluate it there b. Have the body shielded from view and conduct a death scene investigation c. Conduct a death scene investigation without covering the body because covering it may detract from the integrity of photographs of the scene d. Conduct a death scene investigation without covering the body to ensure that no trace evidence is transferred onto the covering material
e. Order the police to disperse the crowd - CORRECT ANSWER b. Have the body shielded from
view and conduct a death scene investigation" "When communicating with the pathologist, a good investigator distinguishes between a request for info and a request for an opinion. Which type is the following question: "What time was the death pronounced?:" a. Request for an opinion b. Request for info c. Request for info and opinion d. Request for assistance
e. None of the above - CORRECT ANSWER b. Request for info"
"When investigating a "homicide" death case, you discover that the victim and surviving family are orthodox Jews. The family voice their objection (based on religious beliefs) to an autopsy being performed. Which of the following would be the BEST RECOMMENDED procedure to follow?:
a. Tell the family that "it's a homicide case, and therefore an autopsy must be determined" b. Have the homicide detective in charge of the case talk with the family c. Counsel the family, explain the circumstances surrounding the investigation and why (criminal prosecution, etc.) the autopsy needs to be performed d. Have the family's rabbi talk with them and the detective in charge
e. Refer the family to the county ME - CORRECT ANSWER c. Counsel the family, explain the
circumstances surrounding the investigation and why (criminal prosecution, etc.) the autopsy needs to be performed" "When obtaining information about a decedent from family members, the first priority should ALWAYS be to obtain information from: a. The family member who seems the most stable b. The family member who last saw and/or talked with the decedent, or has firsthand knowledge regarding the circumstances surrounding the death and/or medical history c. The decedent's primary care fiver or personal physciain d. The family member who is in control of the family unit
e. The police officer who found the body - CORRECT ANSWER b. The family member who last
saw and/or talked with the decedent, or has firsthand knowledge regarding the circumstances surrounding the death and/or medical history" "Which of the following statements regarding maggots infesting a body is TRUE?: a. An autopsy performed on a maggot-infested body cannot be useful b. Maggots cannot be used to assist in estimating the time of death c. Maggots do not occur in bodies that have been dead for more than two weeks d. Maggots grow at predictable rates, depending on the climate and temperature
e. An expert who studies maggots is the odontologist - CORRECT ANSWER d. Maggots grow at
predictable rates, depending on the climate and temperature" "Why is it necessary, when in a residence or apartment, or when going through personal
belongings of the deceased, to do this in the presence of an independent witness?: - CORRECT
ANSWER When recovering personal property or evidence at remote scenes or private
residences, the investigator should always have an independent representative view the procedure to avoid accusations at a later date. If personal items or property are missing from the scene, the family will challenge the process of the investigation. Numerous allegations of theft are leveled on death investigations by family members when proper procedures are not followed. The investigator should mention and make receipts for any evidence or property confiscated form the scene. Maintaining the chain of custody of all items will ensure proper presentation of evidence in the courtroom and alleviate unnecessary challenges to the evidence"
b. Within 24 hours of the death c. Within 48 hours of the death d. Within 72 hours of the death
e. Within one week of the death - CORRECT ANSWER a. ASAP following the autopsy"
"Zooming - CORRECT ANSWER Using a mutifocal-length lens to photograph scenes"
“A 32-year-old male dies of AIDS; 30 days after the decedent's funeral, it is permissible for the death investigator to: a. Release pictures taken at the scene to the media b. Disclose info about the death to interested parties as permissible by statute c. Inform the media as to the COD d. Release info to the NOK
e. None of the above - CORRECT ANSWER b. Disclose info about the death to interested
parties as permissible by statute" "Additional info that should be sought in cases of suspected child abuse includes: a. Whether one parent was absent at the time of injury b. Whether a non-natural parent or paramour was the caregiver of the victim at the time of injury c. Photographs of the object causing injury or the place of injury d. Previous injures suffered by the child
e. All of the above - CORRECT ANSWER e. All of the above"
"Antemortem Blood Sample - CORRECT ANSWER An initial blood sample that usually is
obtained when the subject arrives at the hospital ER, before additional diagnostic or therapeutic treatment is initiated" "As an investigator, which of the following injuries would make you MOST suspect child battering?: a. Fracture of long bones b. Injuries inconsistent with the explained mode of injury c. A history of a fall d. Thermal burns of the body
e. Bruises to the body - CORRECT ANSWER b. Injuries inconsistent with the explained mode of
injury"
"Authorization - CORRECT ANSWER Official permission granted by a superior"
"Authorization for organ/tissue procurement is considered valid if: a. A donor designation appears on the decedent's drivers license b. A donor card with the decedent's name is found in his/her wallet or purse c. An emergency room physician gives permission d. The decedent's NOK or rep has given consent
e. No NOK can be located - CORRECT ANSWER d. The decedent's NOK or rep has given
consent" "Authorization to conduct a medicolegal autopsy must be provided by: a. The decedent's NOK b. The coroner or ME when jurisdiction is established c. A will or other document signed before death d. The treating physician
e. All of the above - CORRECT ANSWER b. The coroner or ME when jurisdiction is established"
"Blunt force injuries that tear tissue and expose the nerve and blood vessels beneath the skin are most appropriately described as: a. Incisions b. Lacerations c. Contusions d. Abrasions
e. Stab Wounds - CORRECT ANSWER b. Lacerations"
"Botanical - CORRECT ANSWER Pertaining to the study and identification of the properties of
plants"
"Chain of Custody - CORRECT ANSWER The documentation of sequential possession and
location of evidence Allows one to trace the individuals who have had possession of it, the date and time of transfer, and where the material was secured while in those individuals or agencies custody" "Choose one of the MOST important communication skills for gather info at the scene: a. Talk to all neighbors b. Listen and actively study witnesses c. Write down your thoughts d. Avoid eye contact with suspects
e. None of the above - CORRECT ANSWER b. Listen and actively study witnesses"
"A clandestine methamphetamine laboratory has exploded, and the "chemist's" body is on the scene. You may undertake your scene investigation when: a. The police and FDS think the scene is safe b. The fire department and hazardous materials team think the scene is safe c. The fire department and police chief think the scene is safe d. The medial have arrived
