Clinical meaning
Forensic nursing involves the application of nursing science to legal proceedings, particularly in collecting, preserving, and documenting physical evidence from victims and perpetrators of violence. Evidence integrity depends on maintaining chain of custody—an unbroken documented trail showing who collected, handled, transferred, and stored evidence from the point of collection through presentation in court. Biological evidence (blood, saliva, semen, hair, tissue) contains DNA that can identify perpetrators through short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. Trace evidence (fibers, soil, glass fragments) transfers between victim and perpetrator per Locard's exchange principle—every contact leaves a trace. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) performs comprehensive forensic examinations using standardized evidence collection kits, documenting injuries with body maps, photography, and detailed written descriptions. Improper evidence handling—contamination, breaks in chain of custody, or inadequate documentation—renders evidence inadmissible in court, potentially preventing justice for the victim.