ABMDI Practice Test – 122 Questions & 100% Correct
Answers | Verified Q&A | Board Certification | 2026
Latest Update
1. A death investigator may experience symptoms of emotional trauma. What is
the best means available to assist these individuals?
Appropriate local employee assistance programs (e.g., human
resource departments, crisis response team)
Counseling from peers in their office
The Association of Chaplains and Counselors
Contact the employee union representative
The National Association of Clergy
2. In the context of the skeletal system, which bone is located in the lower back
region?
Cervical spine
Lumbar spine
Fibula
Tibia
3. In a scenario where a medical examiner is called to a death scene that may
involve foul play, what legal considerations must they keep in mind regarding
their authority?
They should prioritize family wishes over legal requirements.
They must ensure their actions comply with legal statutes governing
death investigations.
They must wait for police approval before taking any action.
, They can act based on personal judgment without legal constraints.
4. : The is a flat bone extending ventrally down the midline of the chest.
sternum
scapula
forearm
clavicle
5. In a scenario where a family strongly opposes an autopsy for a homicide
victim due to their religious beliefs, what steps should a death investigator
take to address the situation while adhering to legal and ethical standards?
Perform the autopsy regardless of family objections.
Only inform the family after the autopsy is completed.
Consult with legal authorities and consider alternative methods of
investigation that respect the family's beliefs.
Ignore the family's wishes and proceed with standard procedures.
6. What is the recommended approach for a medicolegal death investigator
and a police officer when they arrive at a death scene simultaneously?
The best approach is a 'team' approach to performing the work
The police officer is in charge and directs the work
Each has specific responsibilities to perform, and they should not
interact
The death investigator is in charge and directs the work
7. Why is a partial femur bone considered the best evidence for DNA testing
compared to other options like ash or jewelry?
, Jewelry can provide personal identification through inscriptions.
Implants are often unique but do not contain DNA.
Ash can be analyzed for chemical composition to identify the
individual.
A partial femur bone contains DNA material that can be extracted
for identification purposes, unlike ash or jewelry.
8. If a death investigator is tasked with creating a crime scene sketch using the
coordinate method, what steps should they take to ensure accuracy in
documenting the body location?
They should only take photographs and not create a sketch.
They should estimate the distances based on their visual assessment.
They should establish a baseline and use measuring tools to create
accurate coordinates for the body location.
They should use the overhead method instead for better clarity.
9. In a scenario where a victim has been electrocuted by a high-voltage power
line, what should investigators prioritize when assessing the cause of death?
The type of electrical device involved
The voltage of the power line
The number of amps received by the victim
The duration of contact with the power line
10. What is the anatomical term for the region of the body that is often
associated with the navel?
Pubic region
Umbilical region
, Thoracic region
Subclavian region
11. If a death investigator fails to properly document the chain of custody, what
could be a potential consequence in a legal case?
The investigation may be reopened for further evidence collection.
The case will automatically be dismissed.
The evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court.
The investigator may face criminal charges.
12. What type of programs are recommended for death investigators
experiencing emotional trauma?
Counseling from peers in their office
The National Association of Clergy
The Association of Chaplains and Counselors
Appropriate local employee assistance programs (human resource
departments, crisis response team, etc.)
13. What is the primary purpose of a scene sketch in a death investigation?
Determines the manner of death
Helps investigators locate hidden evidence
Identifies the positions of key investigative personnel
Helps investigators identify suspects
Combines the best of photography and scene notes
Answers | Verified Q&A | Board Certification | 2026
Latest Update
1. A death investigator may experience symptoms of emotional trauma. What is
the best means available to assist these individuals?
Appropriate local employee assistance programs (e.g., human
resource departments, crisis response team)
Counseling from peers in their office
The Association of Chaplains and Counselors
Contact the employee union representative
The National Association of Clergy
2. In the context of the skeletal system, which bone is located in the lower back
region?
Cervical spine
Lumbar spine
Fibula
Tibia
3. In a scenario where a medical examiner is called to a death scene that may
involve foul play, what legal considerations must they keep in mind regarding
their authority?
They should prioritize family wishes over legal requirements.
They must ensure their actions comply with legal statutes governing
death investigations.
They must wait for police approval before taking any action.
, They can act based on personal judgment without legal constraints.
4. : The is a flat bone extending ventrally down the midline of the chest.
sternum
scapula
forearm
clavicle
5. In a scenario where a family strongly opposes an autopsy for a homicide
victim due to their religious beliefs, what steps should a death investigator
take to address the situation while adhering to legal and ethical standards?
Perform the autopsy regardless of family objections.
Only inform the family after the autopsy is completed.
Consult with legal authorities and consider alternative methods of
investigation that respect the family's beliefs.
Ignore the family's wishes and proceed with standard procedures.
6. What is the recommended approach for a medicolegal death investigator
and a police officer when they arrive at a death scene simultaneously?
The best approach is a 'team' approach to performing the work
The police officer is in charge and directs the work
Each has specific responsibilities to perform, and they should not
interact
The death investigator is in charge and directs the work
7. Why is a partial femur bone considered the best evidence for DNA testing
compared to other options like ash or jewelry?
, Jewelry can provide personal identification through inscriptions.
Implants are often unique but do not contain DNA.
Ash can be analyzed for chemical composition to identify the
individual.
A partial femur bone contains DNA material that can be extracted
for identification purposes, unlike ash or jewelry.
8. If a death investigator is tasked with creating a crime scene sketch using the
coordinate method, what steps should they take to ensure accuracy in
documenting the body location?
They should only take photographs and not create a sketch.
They should estimate the distances based on their visual assessment.
They should establish a baseline and use measuring tools to create
accurate coordinates for the body location.
They should use the overhead method instead for better clarity.
9. In a scenario where a victim has been electrocuted by a high-voltage power
line, what should investigators prioritize when assessing the cause of death?
The type of electrical device involved
The voltage of the power line
The number of amps received by the victim
The duration of contact with the power line
10. What is the anatomical term for the region of the body that is often
associated with the navel?
Pubic region
Umbilical region
, Thoracic region
Subclavian region
11. If a death investigator fails to properly document the chain of custody, what
could be a potential consequence in a legal case?
The investigation may be reopened for further evidence collection.
The case will automatically be dismissed.
The evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court.
The investigator may face criminal charges.
12. What type of programs are recommended for death investigators
experiencing emotional trauma?
Counseling from peers in their office
The National Association of Clergy
The Association of Chaplains and Counselors
Appropriate local employee assistance programs (human resource
departments, crisis response team, etc.)
13. What is the primary purpose of a scene sketch in a death investigation?
Determines the manner of death
Helps investigators locate hidden evidence
Identifies the positions of key investigative personnel
Helps investigators identify suspects
Combines the best of photography and scene notes
