Winter Exam PBS

What is a person of interest in an investigation?

A person whom law enforcement believes may have information related to a crime but is not necessarily a suspect.

How does a polygraph test work?

It measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration to determine truthfulness.

What does trace evidence refer to?

Small quantities of materials that can be transferred from one location or person to another, such as hair, fibers, or gunshot residue.

What are the steps of focusing a microscope?

1. Start with the lowest power objective lens. 2. Use the coarse focus knob to bring the specimen into focus. 3. Switch to higher power objectives and refine the focus using the fine focus knob.

What parts of hair are observed under a microscope?

The cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

What are the 4 main ridge patterns of fingerprints?

Loops, whorls, arches, and composite.

What is minutiae in fingerprint analysis?

The unique features in fingerprint patterns that are used for identification.

What is digital evidence?

Information stored or transmitted in binary form that can be used in a legal context.

How does the angle and height from which blood is dropped affect the shape and diameter of the blood droplet?

The angle of impact affects the droplet's elongation and the height affects its diameter.

What are the steps of experimental design in order?

1. Identify the problem. 2. Formulate a hypothesis. 3. Design the experiment. 4. Collect data. 5. Analyze data. 6. Draw conclusions.

What is an independent variable?

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

What are the 4 main components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What is the difference between presumptive and confirmatory tests?

Presumptive tests indicate whether a substance may be present, while confirmatory tests definitively identify the substance.

Why is type AB blood considered the 'universal recipient'?

Because it has no antibodies that would react against any of the A or B antigens in transfused blood.

How can you identify blood types based on results from blood typing?

By observing agglutination patterns when mixed with anti-A or anti-B serum.

Where is DNA found in cells?

In the nucleus of the cell and in mitochondria.

What are the structures of DNA?

DNA consists of a double helix made of nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine).

What is Chargaff’s rule of base pairing?

Adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine in double-stranded DNA.

What are restriction enzymes?

Proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in genetic engineering and DNA analysis.

How many fragments of DNA are produced after treatment with a restriction enzyme?

The number of fragments depends on the specific recognition sites in the DNA being cut.

What is the charge of DNA and how does it affect gel electrophoresis?

DNA has a negative charge due to its phosphate backbone, causing it to migrate towards the positive electrode in gel electrophoresis.

What causes strands of DNA to separate during electrophoresis?

The application of an electric field causes the negatively charged DNA to move towards the positive end of the gel, resulting in separation.

What are the steps of gel electrophoresis in order?

1. Prepare the gel. 2. Load DNA samples. 3. Apply the electric current. 4. Visualize the DNA bands.

What does Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) refer to?

A technique used to compare the lengths of DNA fragments produced by restriction enzyme digestion for genetic analysis.

What are manner, mechanism, and cause of death?

Manner of death refers to the circumstances leading to death (e.g. homicide, accident), mechanism refers to the physiological changes resulting in death, and cause refers to the specific injury or disease.

What is the difference between a clinical and forensic autopsy?

A clinical autopsy is performed for medical reasons to understand illness, while a forensic autopsy is conducted to determine cause of death and gather evidence.

When is an autopsy performed?

An autopsy is performed when the cause of death is unclear or legal issues are involved.

What is the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner?

A coroner may not have a medical degree and is elected, while a medical examiner is a licensed physician.

What is lividity?

The pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body after death, which can help determine the time of death.

How can you use the Glaister equation to estimate time of death?

The equation uses the body temperature to estimate the time since death based on the cooling rate.

When will the Glaister equation NOT work and why?

It may not work when environmental conditions are extreme or if the deceased had certain medical conditions.

What are the 4 main types of tissue?

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

What structures make up the cardiovascular system?

The heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood.

What are the structures of the heart?

The right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle, valves, and major blood vessels.

What is the correct path of blood flow through the body?

Heart → arteries → arterioles → capillaries → venules → veins → heart.

Does ventricular septal defect cause respiration rate to increase or decrease?

It typically causes an increase in respiration rate due to reduced oxygenation of blood.

Where is the mitral/bicuspid valve located?

Between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Which parts of the heart contain oxygenated blood?

The left atrium and left ventricle.

What would arrhythmia look like on an EKG?

Irregular patterns of heartbeats, which may appear as inconsistencies in the spacing and height of waves.

What health issue do blocked coronary arteries result in?

They can lead to a heart attack due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

What symptoms are caused by a hole in the septum of the heart?

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, and increased heart rate.

What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

A heart attack is caused by a blockage that reduces blood flow to the heart; cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating entirely.

What is demeanor in a medical context?

The outward behavior or conduct of a patient, often evaluated during assessment.

What is tact in patient communication?

The ability to deal with sensitive matters or difficult situations with consideration and politeness.

What is empathy in healthcare?

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, particularly in medical scenarios.

What are the components of a medical history?

Patient identification, chief complaint, medical history, family history, social history, and review of systems.

What are vital signs?

Measurements of the body's most basic functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and temperature.

What does BMI stand for?

Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

What medical devices are used during a routine physical exam?

Stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, otoscope, thermometer, and reflex hammer.

What are blood-borne pathogens?

Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease.

What is telehealth?

The use of telecommunication technology to provide healthcare remotely.

Which macromolecules are used for energy in the body and in which order?

Carbohydrates, followed by fats, then proteins.

What are the steps for the body’s use of glucose?

1. Ingestion. 2. Digestion. 3. Absorption into the bloodstream. 4. Insulin release. 5. Cellular uptake of glucose.

What structures are involved in the body’s use of glucose?

Glucose, insulin, glucose transporter proteins, and insulin receptors.

What can help alleviate symptoms of Type 2 diabetes over a long period?

Diet management, regular exercise, weight loss, and medication.

What is hyperglycemia vs. hypoglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar, while hypoglycemia is low blood sugar.

What do glucose and insulin levels look like over time for type 1 diabetic, type 2 diabetic, and non-diabetic?

Type 1: high insulin, high glucose; Type 2: fluctuating glucose and insulin; Non-diabetic: stable glucose and low insulin.

What should a diabetic do whose blood glucose level is slightly above normal?

They should exercise or adjust their meal plan to lower their blood sugar.

What should a diabetic do whose blood glucose level is slightly below normal?

They should consume fast-acting carbohydrates to raise their blood sugar.

What is a complete blood count (CBC)?

A test that measures different components of blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets.

How do higher and lower levels of LDL and HDL affect heart disease?

High LDL increases heart disease risk, while high HDL is protective against it.

How can bloodwork and urinalysis be used to diagnose diabetes?

By measuring glucose levels in the blood and urine.

What is the difference between acute and chronic conditions?

Acute conditions are sudden and severe, while chronic conditions persist over a long period.

What is a patient liaison?

A person who facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers.

What is HIPAA and when can health information be shared?

HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects patient confidentiality, and information can be shared with consent, for treatment, or for healthcare operations.