NEET-PG 2013 — Forensic Medicine
81 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
In forensic pathology, what term describes neck compression injuries caused by forearm pressure?
What does Gettler's test detect?
Immersion syndrome is also known as?
Which of the following statements about Platauf's hemorrhages is correct?
What is the most common type of drowning in India?
What is the diagnostic sign of antemortem drowning?
Which of the following tests is NOT used in the medico-legal investigation of suspected infanticide?
What is the term for sexual intercourse between closely related individuals?
Which of the following involves the examination of pores on the skin for personal identification?
What does testamentary capacity refer to?
NEET-PG 2013 - Forensic Medicine NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: In forensic pathology, what term describes neck compression injuries caused by forearm pressure?
- A. Garrotting with a stick
- B. Strangulation with rope
- C. Mugging (Correct Answer)
- D. Manual strangulation with hands
Explanation: ***Mugging*** - This is the **standard forensic pathology term** for neck compression injuries caused by **forearm or arm pressure**, typically applied in a "chokehold" or "arm-hold" position. - Also known as **"bansdola"** in Indian forensic literature, this mechanism involves **circumferential or lateral neck compression** by the forearm/arm, often seen in assault or robbery scenarios. - The injury pattern shows **broad, diffuse bruising** without the linear marks of ligature or discrete fingerprint marks of manual strangulation. - Distinguished by the **absence of a ligature mark** and the presence of **deep soft tissue hemorrhages** in the neck structures. *Garrotting with a stick* - This involves **ligature strangulation** where a **ligature is tightened using a stick** or similar implement as a tourniquet. - The injuries show **specific patterned marks** consistent with the ligature and the **twisting mechanism**. - This differs from mugging, which uses direct arm/forearm pressure without any ligature. *Strangulation with rope* - This refers to **ligature strangulation** using a **rope**, resulting in a **distinct linear mark** consistent with the rope's texture and diameter. - The ligature mark is typically **oblique, ascending** in hanging or **horizontal/variable** in strangulation. - The mechanism involves external compression by a **specific ligature object**, not the human forearm. *Manual strangulation with hands* - This involves **direct neck compression** by the **hands, fingers, or thumbs** of an assailant. - Injuries typically include **fingernail abrasions**, **fingertip bruises**, and **crescent-shaped marks** corresponding to individual digits. - These discrete marks are distinct from the **broad pressure pattern** seen in mugging with forearm compression.
Question 2: What does Gettler's test detect?
- A. Chloride content of blood in drowning (Correct Answer)
- B. Diatoms in drowning
- C. Weight in drowning
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Chloride content of blood in drowning*** - Gettler's test is a classical forensic test used to determine whether a death occurred by **drowning** in fresh or saltwater. - It specifically measures the **difference in chloride concentrations** between the left and right sides of the heart; the principle being that water entering the lungs during drowning will alter electrolyte balance, especially chloride, in the blood of the left ventricle relative to the right. *Diatoms in drowning* - The presence of **diatoms** (microscopic algae) in tissues and organs is another indicator of drowning, but it is detected through specific microscopic examination and not Gettler's test. - Diatom testing aims to prove that the deceased was alive and breathing in the water, allowing the inhalation of diatoms into the systemic circulation. *Weight in drowning* - **Weight** measurements are not directly related to Gettler's test or used as a primary diagnostic tool for drowning itself. - While fluid absorption may slightly increase body weight, it's not a reliable or specific indicator. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because Gettler's test specifically targets the **chloride content of blood** in potential drowning cases. - The test leverages the physiological changes in electrolyte distribution that occur when a person aspirates water.
Question 3: Immersion syndrome is also known as?
- A. Hydrocution (Correct Answer)
- B. Wet drowning
- C. Dry drowning
- D. Secondary drowning
Explanation: ***Hydrocution*** - **Immersion syndrome**, or hydrocution, is a sudden death that occurs immediately upon immersion in cold water. - It is believed to be caused by a **vasovagal reflex** triggered by the sudden temperature change, leading to cardiac arrest. *Wet drowning* - This term refers to conventional drowning where an individual inhales water, leading to respiratory compromise and death. - It is characterized by the presence of **fluid in the lungs**, which is not the primary mechanism in immersion syndrome. *Dry drowning* - **Dry drowning** occurs when water does not enter the lungs; instead, the glottis spasms and closes, preventing air and water from entering. - This leads to suffocation, often hours after the initial water exposure, and is distinct from the immediate cardiac event of immersion syndrome. *Secondary drowning* - **Secondary drowning**, or delayed drowning, refers to complications that arise hours or days after a near-drowning incident due to inhaled water causing pulmonary edema. - It involves a delayed physiological response rather than an immediate reflex.
Question 4: Which of the following statements about Platauf's hemorrhages is correct?
- A. Subpleural hemorrhage (Correct Answer)
- B. All are true
- C. Mostly seen in middle lobe
- D. Sign of drowning
Explanation: ***Subpleural hemorrhage*** - **Platauf's hemorrhages** are **defined as subpleural hemorrhages** found on the surface of the lungs, particularly in cases of **asphyxial death** related to drowning. - This is the **most accurate and specific statement** as it describes the **pathological nature** of Platauf's hemorrhages. - These hemorrhages result from the rupture of small capillaries due to sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure and aspiration of water during drowning. - They appear as **small petechial hemorrhages** on the **anterior, lateral, and inferior surfaces** of the lungs. *Mostly seen in middle lobe* - This is **incorrect**. Platauf's hemorrhages can occur in **any lobe** of the lungs, not specifically the middle lobe. - They are more commonly described as being present on the **anterior and lateral margins** and **inferior surfaces** of the lungs, regardless of lobe. *All are true* - This statement is **incorrect** because the statement about the middle lobe is false, making "All are true" false. *Sign of drowning* - While this statement has merit, it is **less specific** than "subpleural hemorrhage." - Platauf's hemorrhages are indeed **strongly associated with drowning** and are considered one of the **internal findings in drowning deaths**. - However, they are **not absolutely pathognomonic** - they can occasionally be seen in other forms of acute asphyxia or conditions involving severe acute pulmonary congestion. - The **defining characteristic** is that they are **subpleural hemorrhages**, which is a more precise pathological description than calling them simply a "sign of drowning." - Therefore, when asked "which statement is correct," the **most accurate and specific answer** is "Subpleural hemorrhage."
Question 5: What is the most common type of drowning in India?
- A. Suicidal
- B. Homicidal
- C. Accidental (Correct Answer)
- D. Infanticide
Explanation: ***Accidental*** - Accidental drowning is the most common type because it can occur in various situations, such as during **bathing**, **swimming**, **boating**, or falling into bodies of water due to **unforeseen circumstances** or **lack of supervision**. - This category encompasses a wide range of scenarios, including **children falling into wells** or other water sources, and adults being swept away by **flooding rivers** or **tsunamis**. *Suicidal* - While suicidal drownings do occur, they are **statistically less common** than accidental drownings in the general population. - Suicide by drowning generally involves an **intentional act** to end one's life, which is less frequent than unintentional water-related deaths. *Homicidal* - Homicidal drowning, where an individual is drowned by another person, is **rare** compared to accidental deaths. - This type of drowning often involves **evidence of struggle** or other injuries, making it a distinct but uncommon cause of death. *Infanticide* - Infanticide by drowning refers to the **intentional killing of an infant** through submersion in water. - While a tragic act, incidents of infanticide by drowning are **very low in number** compared to overall accidental drownings involving all age groups.
Question 6: What is the diagnostic sign of antemortem drowning?
- A. Emphysema aquosum
- B. Water in esophagus
- C. Weeds and grass in clenched hands
- D. Paltauf's hemorrhage (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Paltauf's hemorrhage*** - These are **subpleural ecchymoses** (petechial hemorrhages) found on the surface of the lungs that represent the **definitive diagnostic sign** of antemortem drowning. - They result from rapid changes in **pulmonary pressure** and vascular permeability due to active breathing efforts and water aspiration during the drowning process. *Emphysema aquosum* - This refers to **overdistention of lungs** with frothy fluid in airways, commonly seen in drowning cases. - It represents a **morphological change** rather than a specific diagnostic sign and can occur in various types of asphyxial deaths. *Water in esophagus* - Water presence in the esophagus occurs due to **swallowing during immersion** or passive post-mortem water entry. - This finding **cannot differentiate** between antemortem and post-mortem drowning as water can enter passively after death. *Weeds and grass in clenched hands* - While **cadaveric spasm** with vegetation indicates the person was alive during immersion and actively struggling, it is **not the diagnostic sign** of antemortem drowning. - This finding confirms **vital reaction** at the time of immersion but does not specifically diagnose the drowning mechanism itself.
Question 7: Which of the following tests is NOT used in the medico-legal investigation of suspected infanticide?
- A. Ploucquet test
- B. Fodere's test
- C. Widal test (Correct Answer)
- D. Hydrostatic test
Explanation: ***Widal test*** - The **Widal test** is a serological test used to diagnose **typhoid fever** by detecting antibodies against *Salmonella typhi* antigens, not for infanticide. - It assesses the presence of **O and H agglutinins** in the patient's serum after exposure to the bacteria. *Ploucquet test* - The **Ploucquet test** assesses the **weight of the lungs** relative to the total body weight to determine if the infant has breathed. - In a stillborn infant, the ratio of lung weight to body weight is typically lower than in a liveborn infant who has breathed. *Fodere's test* - **Fodere's test**, also known as the **gastrointestinal air test**, examines the presence of air in the **gastrointestinal tract** of an infant. - The presence of air indicates that the infant has **breathed and swallowed**, suggesting live birth. *Hydrostatic test* - The **hydrostatic test** (or lung float test) involves placing the infant's lungs in water to determine if they **float or sink**. - **Floating lungs** indicate the presence of air, suggesting the infant took a breath, while **sinking lungs** suggest no respiration.
Question 8: What is the term for sexual intercourse between closely related individuals?
- A. Incest (Correct Answer)
- B. Extramarital affair
- C. Bestiality
- D. Tribadism
Explanation: ***Incest*** - This term refers to **sexual activity** between individuals who are considered **too closely related** to marry or have sexual relations within a particular society's laws or customs. - The definition of closeness can vary culturally and legally, but it generally includes immediate family members like parents, children, and siblings. - Under Indian law (IPC Section 376), incestuous relationships are prohibited and can constitute sexual offenses. *Extramarital affair* - This describes sexual relations between a **married person** and someone who is **not their spouse**. - It does not necessarily involve closely related individuals; the key aspect is the breach of marital fidelity. - This is a social/moral term rather than specifically a forensic classification. *Bestiality* - This refers to sexual activity between a **human and an animal**, also known as **zoophilia**. - This is distinct from incest, which specifically concerns human-to-human sexual relations within a family. - Under IPC Section 377, this was considered an unnatural offense. *Tribadism* - This describes various forms of **sexual intimacy between women**, particularly non-penetrative activity. - This term does not involve familial relationships or biological closeness as defined by incest. - It is a descriptive term for a type of sexual behavior, not a classification of prohibited relationships.
Question 9: Which of the following involves the examination of pores on the skin for personal identification?
- A. Podography
- B. Dactylography
- C. Poroscopy (Correct Answer)
- D. Cheiloscopy
Explanation: ***Poroscopy*** - **Poroscopy** is the method of personal identification through the examination of the anatomical characteristics of sweat pores. - This technique analyzes the **size, shape, and relative position** of pores found on friction ridge skin, which are unique to each individual. *Podography* - **Podography** involves the study of footprints and foot impressions, primarily for gait analysis or identification based on foot morphology. - It focuses on features like arches, weight distribution, and toe patterns, rather than skin pores. *Dactylography* - **Dactylography** is the scientific study of **fingerprints** and dermatoglyphics for personal identification. - While it deals with friction ridge skin, its primary focus is on the ridge patterns (**loops**, **whorls**, **arches**), not the pores within the ridges. *Cheiloscopy* - **Cheiloscopy** is the forensic study of patterns of **fissures and grooves on the lips** for personal identification. - It analyzes the unique arrangement of **lip furrows**, which are distinct from skin pores.
Question 10: What does testamentary capacity refer to?
- A. None of the options
- B. Ability to make a valid will (Correct Answer)
- C. Ability to create a will
- D. Ability to understand legal documents
Explanation: ***Ability to make a valid will*** - **Testamentary capacity** specifically refers to the legal and mental competence required to create a legally binding **last will and testament**. - It ensures that the testator understands the nature of the act, the extent of their property, and the natural objects of their bounty (i.e., those who would reasonably expect to inherit). *Ability to create a will* - While related, this option is too broad; it doesn't emphasize the **legal validity** or the specific cognitive requirements involved in the process. - Simply "creating" a will may involve just writing it down, but it doesn't guarantee the **mental capacity** needed for it to be enforceable. *Ability to understand legal documents* - This is a general cognitive ability that is necessary but insufficient to define **testamentary capacity**. - A person might understand legal documents generally but lack the specific awareness of their assets or beneficiaries required for a valid will at a given time. *None of the options* - This is incorrect because the first option accurately describes **testamentary capacity**.