Illinois Forensic Nurse Examiner

Illinois Forensic Nurse Examiner Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• A patient presents after a sexual assault, and the nurse notices bruises

on the inner thighs. Which action should the forensic nurse take first?

• Document only verbal statements
• Photograph the injuries with consent
• Clean the bruises for proper healing
• Advise the patient not to report the assault

Rationale: Photographing injuries provides objective evidence for

legal and medical documentation, which is critical in forensic nursing.

• Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a forensic nurse

examiner during evidence collection? 1 / 4

• Maintaining the chain of custody
• Diagnosing unrelated illnesses
• Providing only emotional support
• Performing unrelated medical procedures

Rationale: Maintaining the chain of custody ensures that collected

evidence is admissible in court.

• During a forensic examination, a patient refuses to remove clothing.

The nurse should:

• Force removal for evidence
• Document the refusal and proceed with what is possible
• Cancel the examination
• Ignore the patient’s wishes

Rationale: Patient consent is critical; partial evidence can still be

collected, and refusal must be documented.

• Which type of injury is most commonly associated with blunt force

trauma?

• Lacerations with clean edges
• Contusions and abrasions
• Puncture wounds
• Incised wounds

Rationale: Blunt force trauma typically results in bruises (contusions)

and scrapes (abrasions). 2 / 4

5. Chain of custody refers to:

• Patient consent forms
• Medication administration records
• The documented, unbroken handling of evidence
• Hospital admission documentation

Rationale: Proper chain of custody preserves the integrity of evidence

for legal proceedings.

6. When collecting biological evidence, the forensic nurse should:

• Avoid labeling samples
• Use appropriate containers and label each sample
• Pool multiple samples together
• Store all samples at room temperature indefinitely

Rationale: Proper collection, labeling, and storage are essential for

accurate laboratory analysis and legal validity.

• Which of the following is considered a medico-legal responsibility of a

forensic nurse examiner?

• Prescribing medication for chronic illness
• Providing expert testimony in court
• Performing general health screenings only
• Conducting community health workshops

Rationale: Forensic nurses often provide expert testimony regarding

injuries, evidence, and clinical findings. 3 / 4

8. The most important factor when documenting injuries is:

• Speed
• Accuracy and objectivity
• Personal opinion
• Artistic quality of sketches

Rationale: Accurate, objective documentation is critical for legal

proceedings.

• Which of the following is essential before beginning a forensic

examination?

• Ordering lab tests
• Obtaining informed consent
• Contacting law enforcement immediately
• Performing a full body exam without patient input

Rationale: Informed consent is legally and ethically required before

any forensic examination.

• When a patient presents with genital trauma, which action is

appropriate?

• Avoid examining the area
• Use a colposcope or appropriate tools for examination
• Clean the area before assessment
• Request self-examination only

Rationale: Using forensic tools ensures proper documentation and

collection of evidence.

• / 4