INI-CET 2023 - Forensic Medicine PYQs Practice Questions

Q: 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?

Washerman hand and finger. ***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. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Black foot disease with peripheral neuropathy is seen in which metal poisoning?

Arsenic. ***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. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A man presents with alcoholic smell and congested conjunctiva but normal motor functions (walking normally). What is the most appropriate assessment of his condition?

Alcohol intoxication. ***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. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

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?

Accepted Answer

Washerman hand and finger

Answer

Froth on nose and mouth

Answer

Cadaveric spasm in hand muscle

Answer

Water in the stomach

Answer

Diatoms test positive

Question 2

Black foot disease with peripheral neuropathy is seen in which metal poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Mercury

Answer

Lead

Answer

Cadmium

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?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol intoxication

Answer

Severe alcohol poisoning

Answer

No evidence of alcohol consumption

Answer

Alcohol consumption without intoxication

INI-CET 2023 — Forensic Medicine