INI-CET 2023 — Forensic Medicine
3 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
A girl from the village was found dead in the lake and was taken out. It is a case of ante mortem drowning. All are true about this case except?
Black foot disease with peripheral neuropathy is seen in which metal poisoning?
A man presents with alcoholic smell and congested conjunctiva but normal motor functions (walking normally). What is the most appropriate assessment of his condition?
INI-CET 2023 - Forensic Medicine INI-CET Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A girl from the village was found dead in the lake and was taken out. It is a case of ante mortem drowning. All are true about this case except?
- A. Froth on nose and mouth
- B. Cadaveric spasm in hand muscle
- C. Washerman hand and finger (Correct Answer)
- D. Water in the stomach
- E. Diatoms test positive
Explanation: ***Washerman hand and finger*** - **Washerman's hand and feet** (cutis anserina) refers to the wrinkled, sodden appearance of skin on the palms and soles due to prolonged immersion in water. - This is a **post-mortem change** that develops after death as a result of water absorption into the skin, typically appearing after **2-3 hours** of immersion. - While it indicates immersion in water, it does **not specifically signify ante-mortem drowning** as it can occur in bodies submerged after death (post-mortem submersion). - This is the **correct answer** to the "except" question as it is not a vital sign of ante-mortem drowning. *Froth on nose and mouth* - **Fine, white, tenacious froth** (mushroom-like foam) at the nose and mouth is a classic sign of **ante-mortem drowning**. - Results from violent mixing of air, mucus, and water in the airways during respiratory efforts while drowning. - This is a **vital sign** indicating the person was alive during submersion. *Cadaveric spasm in hand muscle* - **Cadaveric spasm** (instantaneous rigor mortis) can occur in **ante-mortem drowning** when the victim grasps objects like weeds, mud, or clothes in the final moments before death. - This represents a **vital phenomenon** reflecting a final act of vitality and strongly suggests the person was alive and conscious at the moment of submersion. *Water in the stomach* - Presence of water in the stomach is a common finding in **ante-mortem drowning** as the victim actively swallows water during the struggle and aspiration phase. - Indicates **vital swallowing** during life, supporting the diagnosis of ante-mortem drowning. - Typically, more than **500 mL** of water in stomach suggests ante-mortem drowning.
Question 2: Black foot disease with peripheral neuropathy is seen in which metal poisoning?
- A. Mercury
- B. Lead
- C. Arsenic (Correct Answer)
- D. Cadmium
Explanation: ***Arsenic*** - Chronic arsenic exposure is associated with **Blackfoot disease**, a severe form of peripheral vascular disease leading to gangrene. - **Peripheral neuropathy** is another common manifestation of chronic arsenic poisoning, characterized by tingling, numbness, and weakness. *Mercury* - Mercury poisoning (Minamata disease) primarily causes **neurological symptoms** like tremors, ataxia, and cognitive impairment, but not specifically Blackfoot disease. - It does not typically lead to severe peripheral vascular disease and gangrene. *Lead* - Lead poisoning (plumbism) is known for causing **neuropathy** (especially motor neuropathy, "wrist drop") and **abdominal pain**, but not Blackfoot disease. - It also affects hematological (anemia) and renal systems. *Cadmium* - Cadmium poisoning (Itai-itai disease) primarily affects the **bones** (osteomalacia, osteoporosis) and **kidneys**. - While it can cause renal damage, it does not typically lead to Blackfoot disease or prominent peripheral neuropathy.
Question 3: A man presents with alcoholic smell and congested conjunctiva but normal motor functions (walking normally). What is the most appropriate assessment of his condition?
- A. Severe alcohol poisoning
- B. No evidence of alcohol consumption
- C. Alcohol intoxication (Correct Answer)
- D. Alcohol consumption without intoxication
Explanation: ***Alcohol intoxication*** - The presence of an **alcoholic smell** and **congested conjunctiva** (bloodshot eyes) are classic signs of recent alcohol consumption. - Despite normal motor function, these signs are sufficient to indicate that the individual is under the influence of alcohol, hence experiencing **intoxication**. *Severe alcohol poisoning* - This condition involves much more severe symptoms, such as **impaired consciousness**, **respiratory depression**, **hypothermia**, and often an inability to walk or function normally. - The man's normal motor functions rule out immediate concerns of severe poisoning, as he is clearly not in a life-threatening state often associated with severe poisoning. *No evidence of alcohol consumption* - The presence of an **alcoholic smell** and **congested conjunctiva** directly contradict this option, as they are clear indicators of recent alcohol intake. - Disregarding these physical signs would be an inappropriate assessment of the situation. *Alcohol consumption without intoxication* - While one can consume alcohol without becoming intoxicated, the presence of **congested conjunctiva** is a physical sign indicating a physiological response to alcohol that typically accompanies intoxication, even if motor impairment is not yet obvious. - **Intoxication** refers to the state where alcohol has begun to affect the individual's mental and physical faculties, which is supported by the observed symptoms.