Medicolegal Death

all quizzes

How many manners of death are there?

5

T or F:

In some instances, there may be no anatomical findings at autopsy and the physical must rely on microscopic examination of organ tissue.

True

The manners of death are:

Accidental, Homicide, Natural, Suicide, and undetermined

Stroke is one of the most common natural causes of death

True

Cirrhosis due to chronic alcohol abuse is considered to be a ____ death

Natural

Remote (old) strokes are not visible on brain tissue at autopsy

False

a diagnosis of sepsis (infection) is not concerning and does not require additional follow up to determine if it is due to anything other than natural disease

False

An on scene external exam that reveals small apparent abrasions and bruising on your hands, fingerprints, and bottom of the feet is possibly due to a history of

Endocarditis due to chronic drug abuse

Epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid are all types of:

intracranial head bleeds

Acute (at time of death) myocardial infracts (heart attacks) are not easily seen at autopsy

true

The Estate Law applicable to the ME regarding next of kin (NOK) states the hierarchical order regrading who has control over a decedents body is the military first, then personal representative, then spouse then children then grandchildren, then parents, then grandparents, then siblings, then nieces/nephews or cousins, and finally the ME

True

If a first responder arrives on scene and moves or disrupts the body or evidence in any way, the ____ must be notified of what was moved and where it was moved from

Medical Examiner

the decedent demographics must be obtained from the individual reporting the death. The most important demographics that should be obtained are:

Full Legal Name, DOB, Race, Eye Color, Marital Status, Social Security

It IS important to know what time the original 911 call was received.

True

In photographically documenting a scene, it is standard practice to gain an exterior photo of the death location as well as a close up of the address or street signs indicating the nearest intersection or landmark.

True

In photographically documenting a scene it is standard practice to include ____________ in the photo

Only the decedent and any evidence pertaining to cause and manner of death

Provide at least one reason of why it is important to photograph and document all personal effects/items of value on a decedent.

To ensure those were the only items on them

In describing clothing and defects it is important to describe them:

Using a conservative approach (circular defect, linear wounds, etc.) and articulate the number of apparent wounds/defects and their location on the body

A “mugshot” photo of the decedent’s face on scene can be used as a method to provide _____ when shown to a family member

identification

The standard minimum photos need to photographically document a scene include all of the following:

Exterior/Death Location

Address Marker or intersection/landmark of the death location

Two overall photos of the decedent from opposing viewpoints in scene

overall of the body

mug shot of the face

a “backshot” photo of the underside of the decedent that is in contact with the surface

a photo of the seal through the zipper of the body bag

the state of michigan employs a ME system opposed to a coroner system

True

Medical Examiner Act 52.205 encompasses

ME’s ability to take charge of the body

an attempt to notify next of kin prior to autopsy

HIPPA code of Federal Regulation 164.512 states that MEs MUST provide a subpoena in order to access medical records of decedents

False

According to code 52.202 the ME shall investigate the cause and manner of death of an individual under each of the following circumstances

an individual dies of violence

an individuals death is unexpected

decedent is a prisoner or dies while imprisoned

individual dies without medical attendance, during the 48 hours before death, unless the attending physician, if any, is able to determine accurately the cause of death

the individual dies as the result of an abortion, whether included or otherwise

Kyle Ray Horning’s Law specifies that the ME MUST provide information to and work with the organ procurement organization

True

A ME cannot provide private autopsies for compensation according to 52.206

False

It is not illegal for any person to assault, endanger, or impersonate an ME

False

The ME has to be a Licensed Physician in

the state in which they serve as an ME or geographically bordering state

MEI duties are determined by:

ME for the counties that they serve regardless of the county

There is a law that exists that strictly surrounds the use of the pituitary gland for research purposes.

True

an incision is an irregular open wound resulting from a blunt impact to soft tissue.

False

battle signs is bruising behind the ear and is indicative of middle cranial fossa fracture and may indicate underlying brain trauma

True

Abrasions are injuries involving superficial layers of skin are due to:

impact against hard, blunt, or rough object

In the elderly a _______ is caused by shear or friction and/or blunt force impact resulting in separation of skin layers

skin tear

In a fall from standing position it is always considered to be a fall with no need to differentiate between a fall and collapse

False

Key questions that must be asked on a sharp force trauma death

Was a suspect instrument found?

Was the decedent left or right handed?

Are there defense injuries?

Are there hesitation marks?

Tissue bridging is found only in wounds resulting from sharp force trauma

False

Topological lines drawn on a map of the human body that correspond to the natural orientation of collagen fibers in the dermis are:

langer lines

this type of weapon will leave a triangle wedge shaped wound

single edge blade

you should always remove any sharp instruments embedded in the skin in order to properly package them to preserve trace evidence and ensure appropriate chain of custody

False

a self contained cratridge often loaded with metal “shot: or a “slug. generally consisting of a plastic tube mounted on a brass base holding a primer is a

Shell

margin of abrasion is indicative of a _____ GSW

Entrance

Stippling is the residue of completely burned gun powder, is dust like, and wipes off

False

An intermediary object is an object that can cause a stellate exit wound

false

it is appropriate to differentiate between an entrance and exit wound while on scene

false

an abraded area that extends from the right shoulder to the left lower side and possibly across the abdomen is indicative of a:

passenger seatbelt injuries

Motor vehicle crashes are fairly straight forward and it is pretty easy to determine the manner of death

False

Provide an important deatail required when documenting an MVA

weather

placement of body

injuries

location of injuries

How many sides of a vehicle are minimally required to be photographed and documented

4

When there is one individual apparently ejected from a vehicle, it is safe to assume that it is the driver of the vehicle, especially if the car is registered to that individual

False