Forensic Evidence Collection for Nurses in Texas

About this course

Forensic science is a specialty that focuses on recognizing, identifying, and evaluating evidence collected in criminal investigations. Texas’s Senate Bill 1191 requires that all nurses working in the emergency department receive basic education on collecting forensic evidence of a sexual assault. This online learning activity provides an overview of emergency room nurse requirements for forensic nursing and evidence collection according to Texas's state and federal guidelines.

Learning objectives

• Define forensic science
• Review the standards of forensic nursing practice
• Understand the Texas Evidence Collection Protocol
• Review the types of sexual assault forensic exams
• Understand the distinct types and forensic evidence and the importance of maintaining the chain of custody of evidence.

Course outline

24 sections · finish in any order across devices

1. 1

   Introduction

   Forensic science is a specialty that focuses on recognizing, identifying, and evaluating evidence collected in criminal investigations.1 It has three main areas; biology (crime against people and involves the collection of body hair, fluids, and fibers), chemistry (involves the identification or ana

   4 min

2. 2

   Forensic Nursing Practices

   The current forensic nursing practices use the quality-care model as its framework, which the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) developed.3

   4 min

3. 3

   Assessment

   Assessment involves collecting data and information relative to the patient’s situation, health, or death.4 Collecting data is a systematic and ongoing process to provide nursing care and identify the implications of the findings.4 The data includes demographics, social determinants of health, healt

   4 min

4. 4

   Diagnosis

   Diagnosis includes analyzing the assessment data to determine actual or potential diagnoses, problems, and issues.4 These barriers to safety include but are not limited to interpersonal, systematic, cultural, or environmental circumstances.4 It is the responsibility of forensic nurses to recognize n

   4 min

5. 5

   Outcomes Identification

   After diagnosis, a nurse must identify the expected outcomes for a patient and develop a personalized plan according to the situation.4 Nurses are responsible for engaging the patient, the interprofessional team, and other healthcare professionals to identify the expected outcomes.4

   4 min

6. 6

   Planning

   Next, the forensic nurse is tasked to develop a plan that describes actions to attain expected, measurable outcomes in partnership with the patient, family, interprofessional team, and other healthcare professionals.4 Nurses are responsible for using appropriate interventions that minimize unwanted

   4 min

7. 7

   Implementation

   Next, the forensic nurse implements the identified plan.4 The nurse partners with the patient and family members to implement the plan safely, effectively, timely, and at the patient’s developmental level.4

   4 min

8. 8

   Evaluation

   Lastly, the forensic nurse evaluates progress toward the attainment of goals and outcomes.4 For this to occur, the nurse conducts a holistic, systematic, ongoing, and criterion-based evaluation of the goals and outcomes in relation to the structure, processes, and timeline prescribed in the plan.4

   4 min

9. 9

   Texas Evidence Collection Protocol

   The Texas Evidence Collection Protocol (TECP) was developed to offer guidance to health care professionals in Texas who conduct forensic medical assessments for individuals of sexual victimization or those suspected of committing sexual offenses.5

   4 min

10. 10

    Prepubertal Child

    In the TCEP, the pediatric population is referred to as the prepubescent population.5 According to the Department of Justice, “A child’s stage of pubertal development is determined by assessing secondary sexual characteristics rather than chronological age. Although the onset and timeline of the pub

    4 min

11. 11

    Adolescent

    An adolescent is defined as a child under the age of 18 who has reached puberty.5 While the physical developmental level of these patients is similar to that of an adult and must be considered when performing the exam; these patients should otherwise be treated as adolescents rather than children.5

    4 min

12. 12

    Adult

    An adult is simply defined as a person who is not a child.5 Anyone 18 years or older has the option of reporting or not reporting the offense to law enforcement.5 Adult patients can also request a non-report exam, which means evidence is collected with or without law enforcement involvement.5 The no

    4 min

13. 13

    Military Adult

    The Department of Defense policy outlines services for military members who have been sexually assaulted.5 Military members include individuals who are affiliated with the military, such as active duty, reserves, guard on Title 10 status, Army and Air Force federal civilian employees, and family mem

    4 min

14. 14

    Suspect

    Exams of suspected perpetrators of sexual assault should be conducted by someone who has specialized training.2

    4 min

15. 15

    Forensic Medical Assessment

    Patients who report sexual assault or are suspected of acute sexual assault should have an Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Triage Level 2.5 The patient should be assessed as soon as possible and triaged for life or limb-threatening injuries or psychiatric emergencies; these take precedence over foren

    4 min

16. 16

    Obtaining History

    The evidence collection process starts with obtaining a history.1 This allows for formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan and provides a procedure to determine the type of evidence that must be collected.1 If a child is being questioned, talk at the child’s vocabulary level and use quotations if

    4 min

17. 17

    Evidence Collection and Packaging

    Following are the key points to keep in mind when collecting and packaging evidence 5:

    4 min

18. 18

    Chain Of Custody

    The chain of custody provides accurate information about who collected and transported the physical evidence.2 Therefore, a chain of custody must be maintained and documented throughout the entire patient assessment and evidence collection process.5

    4 min

19. 19

    Swab And Evidence Collection

    When collecting physical evidence, concentrating evidence on two swabs from each site is best practice.5 Examiners need to explain the process to the patient and the reason for collection.5 When taking swab evidence, examiners need to keep the following things in mind5:

    4 min

20. 20

    Documentation

    During documentation, examiners must use facility-approved forensic medical assessment documentation forms.5 They also should be mindful of the terms and use words such as “reported” or “stated” rather than “alleged.”5

    4 min

21. 21

    Types Of Forensic Evidence

    Forensic science includes the analysis of varied materials that can identify a suspect.6 From the validity of tape-recorded messages to collecting diverse types of evidence, forensic science encompasses different fields.6

    4 min

22. 22

    Preserving Evidence

    Preservation of evidence is an important part of forensic science. From the time the evidence is collected to the time it is presented in court, all evidence must be identified, inventoried, and secured to preserve its integrity.7 Nurses and examiners must understand the rules governing chain of cus

    4 min

23. 23

    Interventions For Sexual Assault Victims

    Sexual assault is a highly common trauma that occurs in up to 10% of the population.9 In the aftermath of sexual assault, 30–50% of rape victims develop posttraumatic stress disorder.9 This can affect the victim’s social, interpersonal, and occupational functioning.9 Thus, it is important that effec

    4 min

24. 24

    Conclusion

    Sexual assault is a health care issue and has potential health consequences, including chronic pain, somatic diseases, risk of STDs, behavioral changes, and suicide.5 Thus, it is critical to refer patients for follow-up care, including assessment of injuries from the assault.5 Nurses and other healt

    4 min

This course satisfies

Requirement summaries come from our state requirement records. Always confirm details with your board before you renew.

References and resources

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