NEET-PG 2014 — Forensic Medicine
48 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
Under which section of the CrPC can a rape accused be medically examined without their consent?
What does the Gettler test detect in drowning cases?
A patient presents with suspected strangulation injuries. What is the most important initial assessment to perform?
Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offense of attempting to commit murder?
Sparrow foot marks are associated with which type of injury:
A doctor is involved in a medico-legal case concerning medical negligence that comes before a First Class Magistrate. What are the maximum sentencing powers of a First Class Magistrate in such cases involving medical professionals?
Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in:
Capsaicin-induced contact dermatitis (chili pepper hands) occurs due to:
Which of the following is true about cadaveric spasm?
Pica is associated with poisoning:
NEET-PG 2014 - Forensic Medicine NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Under which section of the CrPC can a rape accused be medically examined without their consent?
- A. Section 54 - Examination of arrested person by medical officer
- B. Section 84 - Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in 24 hours
- C. Section 53 - Medical examination of accused without consent (Correct Answer)
- D. Section 82 - Proclamation for absconding persons
Explanation: ***Section 53 - Medical examination of accused without consent*** - **Section 53 of the CrPC** permits the medical examination of an arrested person, including a **rape accused**, without their consent when there are reasonable grounds to believe that such examination will afford evidence relevant to the commission of the offense. - This provision is crucial for collecting **forensic evidence** (e.g., DNA samples, injuries, scratches, bite marks) that may prove or disprove the accused's involvement in the crime. - The examination can be conducted by a **registered medical practitioner** at the request of a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector. - Section 53A specifically deals with medical examination of rape accused. *Section 54 - Examination of arrested person by medical officer* - **Section 54 of the CrPC** pertains to the examination of an arrested person by a medical officer **at the request of the arrested person** themselves. - This is used to document **injuries or evidence of torture** while in custody, serving as a safeguard against custodial violence. - It is a **protective measure for the accused**, not for evidence collection against them. *Section 82 - Proclamation for absconding persons* - **Section 82 of the CrPC** deals with issuing a **proclamation requiring absconding persons** to appear before the court. - It is used when a person has absconded or is concealing themselves to avoid execution of a warrant. - It has no connection with medical examination procedures. *Section 84 - Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in 24 hours* - **Section 84 of the CrPC** deals with the procedure when police investigation **cannot be completed within 24 hours** of arrest. - It relates to the **detention of the accused** beyond the initial 24-hour period with magistrate's authorization. - It does not address medical examination of the accused.
Question 2: What does the Gettler test detect in drowning cases?
- A. Weight of lungs in drowning
- B. Magnesium content of blood in drowning
- C. Chloride content of blood in drowning cases (Correct Answer)
- D. Diatoms in drowning cases
Explanation: ***Chloride content of blood in drowning cases*** - The **Gettler test** historically measured the difference in **chloride content** between the left and right sides of the heart. - A significant difference (e.g., higher chloride in left heart blood for saltwater drowning, higher in right for freshwater) was used to infer drowning and the type of water. *Diatoms in drowning cases* - **Diatom analysis** involves detecting microscopic algae from the drowning medium within the body (e.g., lungs, bone marrow). - This test is a separate and more commonly accepted method for confirming drowning than the Gettler test. *Weight of lungs in drowning* - Increased **lung weight** due to water accumulation is a common macroscopic finding in drowning, but it is not what the Gettler test specifically measures. - While indicative of water aspiration, lung weight alone does not differentiate drowning from other causes of death with pulmonary edema. *Magnesium content of blood in drowning* - Changes in **magnesium content** (or other electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium) can occur in drowning due to hemodilution or hemoconcentration. - While electrolyte imbalances can be observed, the Gettler test specifically focused on **chloride levels**, not magnesium.
Question 3: A patient presents with suspected strangulation injuries. What is the most important initial assessment to perform?
- A. Assessment of airway patency and breathing (Correct Answer)
- B. Manual in-line stabilization of the cervical spine
- C. Documentation of injury patterns and mechanism
- D. Immediate application of cervical collar
Explanation: ***Assessment of airway patency and breathing*** - This is the **most critical initial assessment** in suspected strangulation cases, following the ATLS primary survey protocol (ABCDE approach) - **Airway compromise** is the immediate life-threatening concern in strangulation: laryngeal edema, tracheal injury, and obstruction can cause rapid deterioration - Assessment should be performed **with simultaneous cervical spine precautions** (manual in-line stabilization), but airway patency takes absolute priority - **Without a patent airway**, no other intervention matters—this is the foundation of trauma management *Manual in-line stabilization of the cervical spine* - This is performed **simultaneously with airway assessment** in trauma patients with suspected cervical spine injury - Manual stabilization provides immediate protection while airway is being assessed and secured - A cervical collar is then applied for sustained immobilization, but this comes **after** confirming airway patency *Immediate application of cervical collar* - While cervical spine protection is important in strangulation cases, the collar is applied **after initial airway assessment** - Collar application should never delay airway evaluation in a potentially compromised patient - The sequence is: assess airway (with manual stabilization) → secure airway if needed → apply cervical collar *Documentation of injury patterns and mechanism* - Essential for **forensic evaluation** and legal proceedings in strangulation cases - Important for identifying patterns (ligature marks, petechiae, fingernail marks) and mechanism - However, this is a **secondary priority** after life-saving interventions and patient stabilization
Question 4: Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offense of attempting to commit murder?
- A. Sec. 300 IPC (Definition of murder)
- B. Sec. 302 IPC (Punishment for murder)
- C. Sec. 307 IPC (Relevant section for attempts under IPC) (Correct Answer)
- D. Sec. 301 IPC (Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than intended)
Explanation: ***Sec. 307 IPC (Relevant section for attempts under IPC)*** - **Section 307** of the Indian Penal Code specifically addresses the **attempt to commit murder**. - It outlines the punishment for individuals who, with the intention or knowledge requisite for murder, do any act towards its commission. *Sec. 301 IPC (Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than intended)* - **Section 301** deals with cases where a person causes the **death of a person other than the one whose death was intended**. - It relates to the principle of **transferred malice** in culpable homicide, not the attempt to commit murder. *Sec. 300 IPC (Definition of murder)* - **Section 300** defines what constitutes **murder** in the Indian Penal Code. - It specifies the various circumstances under which an act causing death is classified as murder, differentiating it from culpable homicide. *Sec. 302 IPC (Punishment for murder)* - **Section 302** prescribes the **punishment for murder**, which is either death or imprisonment for life, along with a fine. - While related to murder, this section does not deal with the attempt to commit murder itself, but rather the sentencing for the completed act.
Question 5: Sparrow foot marks are associated with which type of injury:
- A. Under-running or tail gating
- B. Motor cyclist's fracture
- C. Steering wheel impact
- D. Windscreen impact (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Windscreen impact*** - **Sparrow foot marks** are characteristic **fracture patterns** seen on a laminated windscreen following an impact. - They occur when a body part (e.g., head) strikes the windscreen, causing **concentric radiating cracks** that resemble the splay of a bird's foot. *Under-running or tail gating* - This type of injury typically involves a vehicle driving under another, leading to severe **decapitation** or **neck injuries** in the lower vehicle occupants. - It does not produce characteristic sparrow foot marks on the windscreen. *Motor cyclist's fracture* - This term usually refers to specific fracture patterns common in motorcycle accidents, such as **tibial plateau fractures** or **Colles fractures**, sustained during falls or impacts. - It describes bone injuries, not specific windscreen fracture patterns. *Steering wheel impact* - Impacts with the steering wheel primarily cause injuries to the **chest (sternal fractures, cardiac contusions)**, **abdomen (organ lacerations)**, and potentially **facial fractures**. - While it can cause internal injuries, it does not typically produce the sparrow foot mark pattern on the windscreen.
Question 6: A doctor is involved in a medico-legal case concerning medical negligence that comes before a First Class Magistrate. What are the maximum sentencing powers of a First Class Magistrate in such cases involving medical professionals?
- A. Unlimited fine and 7 years imprisonment
- B. Fine upto 10,000 and 5 years imprisonment
- C. Fine upto 3000 and 5 years imprisonment
- D. Fine upto 10,000 and 3 years imprisonment (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Fine upto 10,000 and 3 years imprisonment*** - Under the **Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1973** as it stood in 2014, a **First Class Magistrate** had the power to impose a maximum fine of **Rs. 10,000** and imprisonment for up to **three years**. - This was the **correct answer for NEET-PG 2014** when this question was asked. - **Note:** The CrPC was subsequently amended, and as of 2018, First Class Magistrates can impose imprisonment up to **5 years** for certain offenses under Section 29. However, this question reflects the legal provisions applicable at the time of the examination. *Unlimited fine and 7 years imprisonment* - **Unlimited fines** and **seven years of imprisonment** exceed the powers of a First Class Magistrate under the CrPC. - Such extensive sentencing powers are reserved for **Sessions Courts** or higher judiciary for more serious offenses. *Fine upto 10,000 and 5 years imprisonment* - While this option reflects the **current law** (post-2018 amendment to Section 29 CrPC), it was **incorrect in 2014** when this question was set. - At the time of NEET-PG 2014, the maximum imprisonment term for a First Class Magistrate was **three years**, not five. *Fine upto 3000 and 5 years imprisonment* - The **fine of Rs. 3000** underestimates the maximum fine that could be imposed by a First Class Magistrate, which was **Rs. 10,000** even in 2014. - The **five-year imprisonment** term was also incorrect for the 2014 examination period.
Question 7: Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in:
- A. 1996
- B. 1994 (Correct Answer)
- C. 2000
- D. 2002
Explanation: ***1994*** - The **Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA)** was enacted by the Indian Parliament in **1994**. - This act provides legal guidelines for organ donation and transplantation in India, aiming to prevent illegal organ trafficking. *1996* - This year is incorrect; the Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed earlier than **1996**. - No significant amendments or new acts related to organ transplantation occurred in **1996**. *2000* - This year is incorrect; the primary organ transplantation legislation was not established in **2000**. - The act was already in force by **2000**, having been passed several years prior. *2002* - This year is incorrect; the initial act for organ transplantation was not passed in **2002**. - While amendments and updates to THOA have occurred over time, the foundational act was not from **2002**.
Question 8: Capsaicin-induced contact dermatitis (chili pepper hands) occurs due to:
- A. Dhatura
- B. Abrus precatorius
- C. Strychnine
- D. Capsicum (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Capsicum*** - **Capsaicin** is the active component found in **chili peppers** (genus *Capsicum*), which causes the burning sensation and can lead to contact dermatitis. - This irritant leads to the release of **substance P**, a neuropeptide involved in pain transmission, resulting in the characteristic burning and redness. *Dhatura* - **Dhatura** (*Datura* species) contains **tropane alkaloids** such as scopolamine and atropine, which have anticholinergic effects, not irritant contact dermatitis. - Exposure typically leads to symptoms like **dilated pupils**, dry mouth, tachycardia, and central nervous system effects. *Abrus precatorius* - **Abrus precatorius** (rosary pea) contains **abrin**, a highly toxic plant protein that inhibits protein synthesis. - While contact can cause irritation, severe effects are usually associated with ingestion, leading to **haemorrhagic gastroenteritis** and multi-organ failure. *Strychnine* - **Strychnine** is an alkaloid primarily found in *Strychnos nux-vomica* and acts as a **neurotoxin**, blocking glycine receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem. - Poisoning causes severe **muscle spasms** and convulsions, not an irritant contact dermatitis.
Question 9: Which of the following is true about cadaveric spasm?
- A. Occurs 2-3 h after death
- B. Some particular group of muscles are involved (Correct Answer)
- C. Involves involuntary muscles
- D. Disappears with rigor mortis
Explanation: ***Some particular group of muscles are involved*** - **Cadaveric spasm** is characteristically a **localized or partial phenomenon**, typically affecting specific muscle groups that were in intense contraction at the moment of death. - Classic examples include **hand gripping a weapon** (homicide/suicide), **clutching grass or mud** (drowning), or **specific limb muscles** during extreme physical exertion. - While generalized cadaveric spasm can theoretically occur, it is **usually partial and localized** to the muscles involved in the terminal activity. - This is a key distinguishing feature used in **medico-legal investigations** to determine circumstances of death. *Occurs 2-3 h after death* - This describes the typical onset of **rigor mortis**, which begins 2-3 hours post-mortem and follows a predictable progression. - **Cadaveric spasm** occurs **instantaneously at the moment of death** with **no flaccid interval**, unlike rigor mortis which has a pre-rigor flaccid phase. *Disappears with rigor mortis* - This is **incorrect**. Cadaveric spasm does **not disappear** when rigor mortis develops. - Instead, cadaveric spasm **persists and merges into rigor mortis**, becoming indistinguishable from it once rigor mortis is fully established. - Both cadaveric spasm and rigor mortis eventually resolve together during the **resolution phase** (24-36 hours post-mortem), not separately. *Involves involuntary muscles* - **Cadaveric spasm** affects only **voluntary (skeletal) muscles** under conscious control. - Involuntary muscles such as cardiac muscle and smooth muscles of internal organs are **not involved** in cadaveric spasm.
Question 10: Pica is associated with poisoning:
- A. Arsenic
- B. Phosphorus
- C. Lead (Correct Answer)
- D. Mercury
Explanation: ***Lead*** - **Pica**, the craving and consumption of non-food items, is a common symptom of **lead poisoning**, especially in children. - This behavior can lead to further ingestion of lead-containing substances, creating a vicious cycle of exposure. *Arsenic* - **Arsenic poisoning** primarily affects the skin, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like **skin lesions**, neuropathy, and diarrhea. - While various neurological symptoms can occur, **pica** is not a characteristic feature of chronic arsenic exposure. *Phosphorus* - **Phosphorus poisoning** is typically associated with gastrointestinal irritation, liver damage, and cardiovascular effects, often from ingestion of pesticides or fireworks. - It does not commonly present with **pica** as a primary symptom. *Mercury* - **Mercury poisoning** manifests with neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as **tremors**, memory loss, and personality changes (**erethism**). - Pica is not a typical manifestation, although central nervous system effects can cause a range of behavioral changes.