ABMDI Demonstrating Scientific
Knowledge Exam Questions with
Solutions
Sings of Death Include: - --Lack of Pulse/Respiration
-Absence of Heartbeat
-Lack of Corneal Reflex and Pupillary Constriction
-Coolness of the Body
-Rigor Mortis
-Livor Mortis
-Rigor Mortis - -Stiffness of the body that sets in several hours after death
-Rigor Mortis (Continued) - --Starts in the smaller muscles (jaw, extremities)
**First Indicator appears after 2-4 hours**
**Maximum Indicator is after 8-12 hours**
-Onset and Dissipation of rigor is rapid in children compared to adults
-Livor Mortis - -The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a
reddish color to the skin
-Livor Mortis (Continued) - --Takes approximately 2-4 hours to develop
-As interval extends, the livor becomes fixed and will not blanch on pressure
-Generally, livor is fixed after 8-12 hours after death
-Tardieu Spots - -In advance stages of livor mortis, the skin capillaries often
rupture and cause pin point hemorrhages
-Eye Changes after Death - --Clouding (occurring 1-2 hours)
-Sclera Dryness (TACHE NOIR)
-Body Temperature - --Rate at which bodies cool is NOT uniform!!!
-Algor Mortis - -Cooling of the body after death
-Decomposition Patterns - -24 hours: greenish discoloration of right, lower
abdomen
24-36 hours: greenish discoloration of the abdomen
36-48 hours: marbling, bloating of the face
48-60 hours: desiccation (drying) of the fingertips
60-72 hours: bloating of the body (purging)
4-7 days: skin blebs, hair sloughing, skin slippage
days-weeks: dehydration of the body tissues
-Inspect the Body (External: Head) - --Examine the scalp for hidden trauma!
-Lacerations may stick together; bullet wounds may be obscured
-Inspect ears for hemorrhage/foreign bodies
-Evaluate eyes for petechial hemorrhages, jaundice, or trauma
-Oral cavity may reveal trauma, foreign bodies, or evidence of poor hygiene
-Nasal Septum may be perforated due to chronic cocaine abuse
-Inspect the Body (External: Neck) - --Any identifiable trauma should be
documented
-DO NOT recover specimens from neck veins of homicide victims (it might
create trauma)
-View the posterior neck as well!
-Examine the neck for evidence of enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid, and/or
other masses
-Palpate the neck with PASSIVE flexion and extension to reveal fractures
-Inspect the Body (External: Chest) - --Examine the dimensions of the chest,
documenting the anterior-posterior size
-An enlarged, barrel-shaped chest is a sign of chronic lung disease.
-Palpate the breasts for any masses
-Inspect the Body (External: Abdomen) - --Palpate the abdomen to detect
the presence of fluid or masses.
-Excessive fluid may represent liver cirrhosis or failure.
-Document recent and remote surgical incisions.
-Trauma may not be readily apparent over the abdominal wall due to the
elasticity of the tissues
-Inspect the Body (External: External Genitalia) - --Examine the external
genitalia in the MALE for masses, ulcerations, and surgery.
-Note the presence or absence of circumcision
-IN FEMALE, examine for prolapse of the uterus, masses, trauma, and
ulcerations
-Inspect the Body (External: Lower Extremities) - --Fractures of the hip are
usually indicated by the shortening and external rotation of the limbs
-Look for any trauma, fractures, burns, and scratches.
-Ascertain the presence of edema or brownish discoloration, suggestive of
congestive heart failure.
-Inspect the Body (External: Upper Extremities) - --Examine color and
appearance of fingernails (torn or fractured fingernails may indicate a
struggle.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Victorious23. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $12.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.