ABMDI Practice Test Questions – 114 Verified Questions
& Answers | Board Certification Exam Prep | Latest
Update 2026 | Exam Q&A PDF | 100% Pass Guarantee
1. Majority of the mistakes committed relative to evidence take place during: 1.
periods of transportation 2. the collection of samples 3. contaminated
sampling 4. the wrong type material
1 and 2
3 and 4
2 and 4
2 and 3
2. What is the term for the demeanor and presentation of a witness during
testimony?
Witness reliability
Witness credibility
Witness testimony
Witness demeanor
3. A recent infant death you investigated has been termed a SIDS death on the
preliminary autopsy report. You, as the investigator, must contact
child protection services.
the district attorney's office.
the local SIDS Center and the local police agency.
the police chaplain who will relay the findings to the family.
, the local police agency; wait on calling the SIDS center until the
cause of death has been finalized.
4. Death due to contact with an electrical device is primarily related to
the number of joules received by the victim.
the number of amps received by the victim.
the number of volts received by the victim.
prolonged contact over one minute.
the number of watts received by the victim.
5. If a medical examiner arrives at a scene and suspects foul play, what initial
classification should they assign to the death, and why?
Accidental death, to expedite the process.
Natural death, to avoid unnecessary complications.
Homicide, to ensure all evidence is collected and investigated
properly.
Suicide, to focus on the victim's mental state.
6. In a medicolegal investigation, how would the identification of a distant-
range gunshot wound affect the interpretation of the circumstances
surrounding a death?
It may suggest the shooter was at a significant distance, impacting
theories of intent and opportunity.
It confirms the time of death occurred shortly after the shooting.
It implies that the shooter was familiar with the victim.
It indicates the victim was shot in self-defense.
7. If an investigator fails to properly notify the next-of-kin and the family learns
, of the death through social media, what potential consequences could arise?
The investigation may be expedited as a result.
The investigator may face disciplinary action from their department.
The case may be closed without further investigation.
There could be legal repercussions and increased emotional
distress for the family.
8. Medical examiners and coroners (ME/C) have the authority to investigate
deaths and determine whether they were:
natural
All of these choices
the result of a criminal act
accidental
9. If a medical examiner encounters a family that is emotionally distressed about
the autopsy, what steps should they take to ensure the investigation proceeds
while addressing the family's concerns?
Provide clear communication about the necessity of the autopsy
and offer support to the family during the process.
Delay the autopsy indefinitely until the family feels comfortable.
Proceed with the autopsy without any communication to the family.
Seek a court order immediately without discussing with the family.
10. What is the definition of a medicolegal 'scene' in the context of death
investigations?
The area surrounding the hospital's emergency department.
The location where the death occurred and where evidence is
, collected.
The place where the body is transported for autopsy.
The hospital room where the deceased was treated.
11. Describe how a scene sketch contributes to the overall process of a
medicolegal death investigation.
A scene sketch provides a visual representation that complements
photographs and written notes, enhancing the understanding of the
scene.
A scene sketch is only necessary if there are no photographs taken.
A scene sketch is primarily used to identify witnesses at the scene.
A scene sketch is a legal requirement that must be submitted to law
enforcement.
12. This official (usually at the county level) has complete authority regarding the
dead:
authorizing agent
sheriff
coroner/M.E.
medical certifier
13. The nurse reviews the protocol for diagnosing sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS) after a six-month-old infant unexpectedly dies. Which
intervention should the nurse expect to be performed to rule out other
causes of death?
Autopsy
Postmortem imaging
Interviews with caregivers
& Answers | Board Certification Exam Prep | Latest
Update 2026 | Exam Q&A PDF | 100% Pass Guarantee
1. Majority of the mistakes committed relative to evidence take place during: 1.
periods of transportation 2. the collection of samples 3. contaminated
sampling 4. the wrong type material
1 and 2
3 and 4
2 and 4
2 and 3
2. What is the term for the demeanor and presentation of a witness during
testimony?
Witness reliability
Witness credibility
Witness testimony
Witness demeanor
3. A recent infant death you investigated has been termed a SIDS death on the
preliminary autopsy report. You, as the investigator, must contact
child protection services.
the district attorney's office.
the local SIDS Center and the local police agency.
the police chaplain who will relay the findings to the family.
, the local police agency; wait on calling the SIDS center until the
cause of death has been finalized.
4. Death due to contact with an electrical device is primarily related to
the number of joules received by the victim.
the number of amps received by the victim.
the number of volts received by the victim.
prolonged contact over one minute.
the number of watts received by the victim.
5. If a medical examiner arrives at a scene and suspects foul play, what initial
classification should they assign to the death, and why?
Accidental death, to expedite the process.
Natural death, to avoid unnecessary complications.
Homicide, to ensure all evidence is collected and investigated
properly.
Suicide, to focus on the victim's mental state.
6. In a medicolegal investigation, how would the identification of a distant-
range gunshot wound affect the interpretation of the circumstances
surrounding a death?
It may suggest the shooter was at a significant distance, impacting
theories of intent and opportunity.
It confirms the time of death occurred shortly after the shooting.
It implies that the shooter was familiar with the victim.
It indicates the victim was shot in self-defense.
7. If an investigator fails to properly notify the next-of-kin and the family learns
, of the death through social media, what potential consequences could arise?
The investigation may be expedited as a result.
The investigator may face disciplinary action from their department.
The case may be closed without further investigation.
There could be legal repercussions and increased emotional
distress for the family.
8. Medical examiners and coroners (ME/C) have the authority to investigate
deaths and determine whether they were:
natural
All of these choices
the result of a criminal act
accidental
9. If a medical examiner encounters a family that is emotionally distressed about
the autopsy, what steps should they take to ensure the investigation proceeds
while addressing the family's concerns?
Provide clear communication about the necessity of the autopsy
and offer support to the family during the process.
Delay the autopsy indefinitely until the family feels comfortable.
Proceed with the autopsy without any communication to the family.
Seek a court order immediately without discussing with the family.
10. What is the definition of a medicolegal 'scene' in the context of death
investigations?
The area surrounding the hospital's emergency department.
The location where the death occurred and where evidence is
, collected.
The place where the body is transported for autopsy.
The hospital room where the deceased was treated.
11. Describe how a scene sketch contributes to the overall process of a
medicolegal death investigation.
A scene sketch provides a visual representation that complements
photographs and written notes, enhancing the understanding of the
scene.
A scene sketch is only necessary if there are no photographs taken.
A scene sketch is primarily used to identify witnesses at the scene.
A scene sketch is a legal requirement that must be submitted to law
enforcement.
12. This official (usually at the county level) has complete authority regarding the
dead:
authorizing agent
sheriff
coroner/M.E.
medical certifier
13. The nurse reviews the protocol for diagnosing sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS) after a six-month-old infant unexpectedly dies. Which
intervention should the nurse expect to be performed to rule out other
causes of death?
Autopsy
Postmortem imaging
Interviews with caregivers
