Based on the image, what is the range of the firearm wound?

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

The wound is classified as distant because it was inflicted from a range where only the bullet strikes the skin.
The key visual sign is the presence of a circular defect with a surrounding abrasion collar, which is a reddish-brown scrape caused by the bullet stretching and tearing the skin as it enters.
Crucially, there is a complete absence of soot (gunpowder smoke) and stippling/tattooing (unburnt powder particles embedding in the skin), which are hallmarks of closer-range shots.

Option A: A close-range wound would show stippling (powder tattooing) and/or soot deposition on the skin around the entry site.
Option B: A contact wound, where the muzzle touches the skin, would show a muzzle imprint, searing/burning of the skin, and soot deposited inside the wound.
Option C: An exit wound is typically larger and more irregular or slit-like than an entry wound and, most importantly, lacks an abrasion collar.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Classification of Firearm Wounds by Range to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Accurate documentation of wound characteristics (size, shape, presence of abrasion collar, soot, stippling) is a critical nursing and medicolegal responsibility. This objective data helps forensic experts determine the range of fire.
Nurses must preserve evidence by not cleaning or disturbing the area around a suspected gunshot wound until it has been documented and examined by authorities. Clothing should be cut around holes, not through them.
What if? If the image showed a dense pattern of black dots (stippling) around the wound, the answer would change to 'Close' range, indicating the firearm was discharged within a few feet of the victim.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the image of the wound and the surrounding skin.
Look for key forensic indicators: Is there an abrasion collar (a scraped ring)? Is there black soot? Is there a pattern of small dots (stippling/tattooing)? Is there a patterned burn (muzzle imprint)?
Systematically rule out options based on these findings. The absence of soot and stippling immediately rules out 'Contact' and 'Close' range wounds.
Differentiate between an entry and exit wound. The presence of an abrasion collar is the classic sign of an entry wound.
Conclude the range based on the combination of present and absent signs. An abrasion collar with no other findings points to a distant wound.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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