American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the cardinal signs of death?

1. Lack of corneal reflex

2. Presence of a pulse

3. Coolness of the body

4. Rigor mortis

The correct answer is: Presence of a pulse

The presence of a pulse is not considered one of the cardinal signs of death. The cardinal signs of death typically include the absence of vital signs such as a pulse and respiration, along with other physiological changes that indicate the body has ceased all functions of life. Lack of corneal reflex, which refers to the absence of the ability to blink in response to a stimulus on the cornea, is an important indicator utilized to determine brain death, contributing to the overall assessment of death. Coolness of the body occurs after death as the body temperature drops to match the ambient environment, known as algor mortis. This is a crucial sign for establishing that biological processes have ceased. Rigor mortis refers to the postmortem stiffening of muscles that occurs a few hours after death due to biochemical changes in the body. Its presence is a classic indicator of death. Thus, while the other options signify the absence of life functions or processes, the presence of a pulse suggests ongoing circulation and physiological activity, indicating the person is alive.