NEET-PG 2012 - Forensic Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Cause of death for drowning in cold water:

Inability to breathe (asphyxia). ***Inability to breathe (asphyxia)*** - Drowning fundamentally involves **inhalation of water** into the airway, which prevents gas exchange in the lungs, leading to **asphyxia**. - In cold water, the initial gasp reflex can lead to rapid aspiration of water, causing immediate **laryngospasm** and closure of the airway, resulting in inability to breathe. - Asphyxia remains the **most common mechanism** across all types of drowning, including cold water cases. *Loss of consciousness due to hypoxia* - While **hypoxia** certainly occurs in drowning due to lack of gas exchange, loss of consciousness is a *consequence* of prolonged asphyxia, not the primary cause of death. - The immediate cause of death is the inability to oxygenate the blood due to water filling the lungs or severe laryngospasm. *Cardiac arrest due to vagal inhibition* - **Vagal inhibition** (also called **hydrocution** or **immersion syndrome**) is an important mechanism specifically in **cold water drowning**. - Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger massive vagal stimulation leading to immediate cardiac arrest (often asystole) before significant water aspiration occurs. - However, this mechanism occurs in a **minority of cold water drowning cases**, while asphyxia remains the predominant cause of death overall. *Cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation* - **Ventricular fibrillation** can be a terminal event in drowning, often secondary to severe hypoxia and hypothermia, but it is usually not the initial or primary cause of death. - The cessation of breathing and subsequent lack of oxygen directly lead to organ failure, including cardiac dysrhythmias, rather than ventricular fibrillation being the independent initial event.

Q: Burking includes:

Chest compression and airway obstruction. ***Chest compression and airway obstruction*** - Burking is a **homicidal method** of suffocation that involves **covering the mouth and nose** (airway obstruction) combined with **compressing the chest or abdomen** to prevent breathing. - Named after **William Burke**, this technique was used to kill victims without leaving obvious signs of violence, making deaths appear natural. *Ligature strangulation* - Involves using a **cord, rope, or similar object** around the neck to compress blood vessels and/or airway. - Leaves characteristic **ligature marks** on the neck, which burking aims to avoid by using manual compression instead. *Drowning mechanism* - Involves **submersion in liquid** causing respiratory impairment and asphyxia. - Completely different mechanism from burking, which involves **manual suffocation** on dry land without water involvement. *Hanging technique* - Hanging involves **suspension of the body by the neck**, causing death through compression of neck structures. - This is completely different from burking and leaves distinct **hanging marks** on the neck, which burking specifically avoids.

Q: Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with sexual intercourse by a public servant with a woman in his custody?

376B. ***376B*** - This section specifically addresses **sexual intercourse by a public servant** with a woman who is in his **custody**, or in the custody of a public authority or institution subordinate to him. - It prescribes **rigorous imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years and fine** for such acts, recognizing the **power imbalance** and breach of trust involved when a public servant exploits their position. - The law recognizes that consent is vitiated when there is a position of authority and custody involved. *376A* - This section deals with **punishment for causing death or persistent vegetative state of the victim** during commission of rape or gang rape. - It prescribes **rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years** which may extend to life imprisonment or death penalty. - This is distinct from the custody-based offense in 376B. *375A* - There is **no such section** as 375A in the Indian Penal Code. - Section 375 defines rape and its circumstances, but it does not have a subsection 375A. *375B* - There is **no such section** as 375B in the Indian Penal Code. - Section 375 defines rape and its circumstances, but it does not have a subsection 375B.

Q: Police inquest is NOT required in:

Natural death due to disease in elderly person at home. ***Natural death due to disease in elderly person at home*** - Police inquest is **NOT required** for natural deaths occurring at home with a known medical condition - A registered medical practitioner who has been attending the deceased can issue a death certificate - No suspicion of foul play or unnatural circumstances exists - This is the only scenario among the options where police involvement is not mandated *Death in police custody* - Police inquest is **absolutely required** under **Section 176 CrPC** (mandatory magisterial inquiry) - Custodial deaths are considered highly sensitive and require thorough investigation - Ensures accountability and rules out torture, negligence, or human rights violations - Automatic judicial oversight is mandated by law *Suicide* - Police inquest is **required** as suicide is classified as an **unnatural death** - Investigation needed to confirm manner of death and rule out homicide - Section 174 CrPC mandates police investigation for all unnatural deaths - Documentation required for legal and insurance purposes *Murder* - Police inquest is **absolutely required** as murder is a **criminal homicide** - Section 174 CrPC mandates immediate police investigation - Crime scene examination, evidence collection, and suspect identification are essential - Forms the basis for criminal prosecution under IPC Section 302

Q: Ochronosis is seen in poisoning with:

Carbolic acid. ***Carbolic acid (Phenol)*** - Carbolic acid causes **blackish-brown discoloration** of skin and tissues at the site of contact due to its **corrosive action and protein denaturation**. - This characteristic **dark staining of tissues** is a forensic marker of phenol poisoning and is sometimes referred to in forensic literature as "ochronosis-like" changes. - Phenol is absorbed through skin and mucous membranes and can cause **CNS depression, convulsions, and metabolic acidosis**. *Boric acid* - Boric acid poisoning manifests with **"boiled lobster" appearance** of skin (erythematous desquamation). - Causes **gastrointestinal symptoms** (vomiting, diarrhea) and **CNS effects** in severe cases. - Does not cause blackish tissue discoloration. *HCl (Hydrochloric acid)* - HCl is a **strong corrosive acid** causing severe chemical burns. - Produces **white or gray coagulated necrosis** of tissues on contact. - Does not produce the dark discoloration characteristic of phenol. *Oxalic acid* - Oxalic acid poisoning causes **hypocalcemia** by chelating calcium ions. - Leads to **cardiac arrhythmias, tetany, and renal toxicity** (calcium oxalate crystal deposition). - Does not cause tissue discoloration or ochronosis.

Question 1

Cause of death for drowning in cold water:

Accepted Answer

Inability to breathe (asphyxia)

Answer

Loss of consciousness due to hypoxia

Answer

Cardiac arrest due to vagal inhibition

Answer

Cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation

Question 2

Burking includes:

Accepted Answer

Chest compression and airway obstruction

Answer

Ligature strangulation

Answer

Drowning mechanism

Answer

Hanging technique

Question 3

Which section of the Indian Penal Code deals with sexual intercourse by a public servant with a woman in his custody?

Accepted Answer

376B

Answer

376A

Answer

375A

Answer

375B

Question 4

In forensic examination of gunshot wounds, which of the following is NOT typically found in contact wounds from shotgun discharge?

Accepted Answer

Beveling of bone at exit wound

Answer

Stippling pattern around entry wound

Answer

Powder burns on skin surface

Answer

Muzzle imprint on contact wound

Question 5

Police inquest is NOT required in:

Accepted Answer

Natural death due to disease in elderly person at home

Answer

Suicide

Answer

Murder

Answer

Death in police custody

Question 6

Ochronosis is seen in poisoning with:

Accepted Answer

Carbolic acid

Answer

Boric acid

Answer

HCl

Answer

Oxalic acid

NEET-PG 2012 — Forensic Medicine