American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which physical injury is most commonly associated with traumatic death in child abuse cases?

1. Poisoning and drugs

2. Subdural hematoma and/or intraabdominal hemorrhage

3. Fractured ribs and upper arms

4. Stab wounds and incisions

The correct answer is: Subdural hematoma and/or intraabdominal hemorrhage

Subdural hematoma and intraabdominal hemorrhage are often indicative of severe trauma in child abuse cases. These injuries result from blunt force trauma, which can occur during abusive episodes where a child is violently shaken, struck, or thrown. Subdural hematomas arise from the tearing of blood vessels in the brain due to rapid movement or impact, commonly seen in cases of abusive head trauma, which is a significant cause of traumatic death in children. Intraabdominal hemorrhage may occur due to blunt abdominal trauma, which can also be a result of physical abuse. This type of injury can affect internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions. These injuries are critical indicators that help investigators identify potential abuse situations compared to the other options listed. The other options are less frequently associated with direct traumatic death linked to child abuse. Poisoning and drugs may occur in neglect or accidental ingestion scenarios rather than direct trauma. Fractured ribs and upper arms might be associated with physical abuse, but these injuries do not typically lead to traumatic death as frequently as severe brain injuries or abdominal traumas. Stab wounds and incisions are more indicative of specific violent crimes rather than the more common patterns of injury seen in child abuse cases, which predominantly feature blunt force injuries