NEET-PG 2014 - Forensic Medicine PYQs Practice Questions

Q: What does the Gettler test detect in drowning cases?

Chloride content of blood in drowning cases. ***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. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A patient presents with suspected strangulation injuries. What is the most important initial assessment to perform?

Assessment of airway patency and breathing. ***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 [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offense of attempting to commit murder?

Sec. 307 IPC (Relevant section for attempts under IPC). ***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. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Sparrow foot marks are associated with which type of injury:

Windscreen impact. ***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. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Under which section of the CrPC can a rape accused be medically examined without their consent?

Accepted Answer

Section 53 - Medical examination of accused without consent

Answer

Section 54 - Examination of arrested person by medical officer

Answer

Section 84 - Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in 24 hours

Answer

Section 82 - Proclamation for absconding persons

Question 2

What does the Gettler test detect in drowning cases?

Accepted Answer

Chloride content of blood in drowning cases

Answer

Weight of lungs in drowning

Answer

Magnesium content of blood in drowning

Answer

Diatoms in drowning cases

Question 3

A patient presents with suspected strangulation injuries. What is the most important initial assessment to perform?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of airway patency and breathing

Answer

Manual in-line stabilization of the cervical spine

Answer

Documentation of injury patterns and mechanism

Answer

Immediate application of cervical collar

Question 4

Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offense of attempting to commit murder?

Accepted Answer

Sec. 307 IPC (Relevant section for attempts under IPC)

Answer

Sec. 300 IPC (Definition of murder)

Answer

Sec. 302 IPC (Punishment for murder)

Answer

Sec. 301 IPC (Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than intended)

Question 5

Sparrow foot marks are associated with which type of injury:

Accepted Answer

Windscreen impact

Answer

Under-running or tail gating

Answer

Motor cyclist's fracture

Answer

Steering wheel impact

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?

Accepted Answer

Fine upto 10,000 and 3 years imprisonment

Answer

Unlimited fine and 7 years imprisonment

Answer

Fine upto 10,000 and 5 years imprisonment

Answer

Fine upto 3000 and 5 years imprisonment

Question 7

Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in:

Accepted Answer

1994

Answer

1996

Answer

2000

Answer

2002

Question 8

Capsaicin-induced contact dermatitis (chili pepper hands) occurs due to:

Accepted Answer

Capsicum

Answer

Dhatura

Answer

Abrus precatorius

Answer

Strychnine

Question 9

Which of the following is true about cadaveric spasm?

Accepted Answer

Some particular group of muscles are involved

Answer

Occurs 2-3 h after death

Answer

Involves involuntary muscles

Answer

Disappears with rigor mortis

Question 10

Pica is associated with poisoning:

Accepted Answer

Lead

Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Phosphorus

Answer

Mercury

NEET-PG 2014 — Forensic Medicine