Who typically conducts the medical forensic exam?

• A. Emergency department nurse
• B. Family physician
• C. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
• D. Police investigator

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that the medical forensic exam is performed by a professional trained specifically in forensic nursing. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a nurse with specialized training in conducting medical-forensic assessments, collecting and preserving evidence (such as DNA swabs), documenting injuries consistently, and providing trauma-informed support. This role also understands how to maintain chain-of-custody for evidence and can testify accurately in court if needed.

While emergency department nurses and family physicians provide essential medical care, they typically do not have the specialized forensic training, standardized evidence collection protocols, or courtroom-ready documentation skills that a SANE brings to the exam. A police investigator handles the investigative side of the case, not the medical evaluation itself.