NEET-PG 2013 - Forensic Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Cheilography is the study of ?

Lip prints. ***Lip prints:*** - **Cheiloscopy**, or cheilography, is the forensic study of **lip prints** for individual identification. - Just like fingerprints, lip prints are unique to each individual and can be used as evidence. *Finger prints:* - The study of **fingerprints** is known as **dermatoglyphics** or dactyloscopy, not cheilography. - Fingerprints are commonly used in forensic science due to their unique ridge patterns. *Breath analysis:* - **Breath analysis** typically involves examining exhaled air for substances like alcohol or gases, used for diagnostic or forensic purposes. - This field is known as **breathomics** or clinical breath testing, not cheilography. *Foot prints:* - The examination of **footprints** is known as **podoscopy** or **pedobarography**, used in forensics and biomechanics. - Footprints provide information about an individual's gait and foot structure.

Q: Which traditional method is considered most reliable for personal identification in forensic science?

Galton method. ***Galton method*** - The **Galton method**, which refers to **fingerprint analysis**, is considered a highly reliable traditional method for personal identification due to the uniqueness and permanence of fingerprints. - No two individuals, even identical twins, have been found to have the exact same **fingerprint patterns**, making it a robust identifier. *Gustafson's method* - **Gustafson's method** is a technique used for **age estimation based on dental changes**, not for definitive personal identification. - While it provides an estimate of age, it cannot uniquely identify an individual. *DNA profiling* - **DNA profiling** is indeed the most reliable method for personal identification in modern forensic science, but it is not considered a "traditional" method. - The question specifically asks for a **traditional method**, distinguishing it from newer genetic techniques. *Anthropometry* - **Anthropometry** involves the measurement of the **human body and its parts**, often used for classification or to establish demographic profiles. - It is not reliable for unique personal identification as many individuals share similar physical measurements.

Q: Which of the following is a stomach poison?

Paris green. ***Paris green*** * **Paris green** (copper(II) acetoarsenite) is primarily used as a **stomach poison** for insects, meaning it needs to be ingested to be effective. * It is a **highly toxic inorganic compound** that disrupts cellular respiration. * *DDT* * **DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)** is a **contact poison** and neurotoxin, primarily absorbed through the insect's cuticle. * It primarily affects the insects' **nervous system**, causing uncontrolled firing of neurons. * *Malathion* * **Malathion** is an **organophosphate insecticide** that acts as a **contact and stomach poison**, but its primary mode of action is through contact and fumigant effects. * It inhibits **acetylcholinesterase**, leading to paralysis and death in insects. * *Pyrethrum* * **Pyrethrum** is a natural insecticide derived from **chrysanthemum flowers** that acts primarily as a **contact poison** and repellent. * It causes **rapid knockdown** of insects by affecting their nervous system, though many insects may recover if not exposed to high enough doses.

Q: Minamata disease is caused by toxicity of:

Mercury. ***Mercury (Correct Answer)*** - Minamata disease is a severe neurological syndrome caused by **mercury poisoning**, specifically from the consumption of fish and shellfish contaminated with **methylmercury**. - The disease was first identified in Minamata Bay, Japan, resulting from the release of industrial wastewater containing methylmercury. - **Clinical features** include: ataxia, dysarthria, constriction of visual fields, sensory disturbances, and in severe cases, convulsions and death. *Arsenic (Incorrect)* - **Arsenic poisoning** is associated with symptoms like **garlic breath**, skin lesions (hyperkeratosis, Raindrop pigmentation), and neurological damage, but it does not cause Minamata disease. - Exposure typically occurs through contaminated water or occupational settings. *Antimony (Incorrect)* - **Antimony toxicity** can manifest with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and skin inflammation. - It is not linked to the distinct neurological syndrome known as Minamata disease. *Lead (Incorrect)* - **Lead toxicity** (plumbism) primarily affects the nervous system, kidneys, and hematopoietic system, leading to symptoms like **abdominal pain**, **wrist drop/foot drop**, and anemia. - While it causes neurological damage, it has a different clinical presentation and is not associated with Minamata disease.

Q: Which one of the tissues putrefies late?

Prostate. ***Prostate*** - The **prostate** is a glandular organ that contains a significant amount of **fibrinous connective tissue**, which is less susceptible to rapid decomposition. - Its relatively **acidic internal environment** also contributes to slower bacterial proliferation and, therefore, delayed putrefaction compared to other organs. *Liver* - The **liver** is rich in **parenchymal cells** and blood, making it a good substrate for bacterial growth and enzymatic degradation leading to early putrefaction. - Its metabolic activity continues shortly after death, releasing enzymes that contribute to **autolysis** and subsequent putrefaction. *Brain* - The **brain** has a high **water and lipid content**, which makes it highly susceptible to rapid autolysis, particularly by its own lysosomal enzymes. - It also has a rich blood supply, providing ample nutrients for **anaerobic bacteria**, accelerating decomposition. *Stomach* - The **stomach** contains a high concentration of **digestive enzymes** (e.g., pepsin, hydrochloric acid) which, post-mortem, contribute to rapid autolysis of its own tissues. - The presence of food contents and abundant bacteria within the stomach lumen further accelerates the process of **putrefaction**.

Q: Dilated pupil with coma is seen in which poisoning?

Dhatura. ***Dhatura*** - **Dhatura poisoning** is characterized by an **anticholinergic toxidrome**, leading to symptoms like **dilated pupils (mydriasis)**, dry mouth, flushed skin, tachycardia, and altered mental status progressing to coma. - The dilated pupils are a direct result of the **muscarinic receptor blockade** in the eye, preventing parasympathetic innervation. *Opium* - **Opium poisoning** typically causes **pinpoint pupils (miosis)**, respiratory depression, and central nervous system depression leading to coma. - This effect is due to the **opioid agonists** stimulating mu-opioid receptors. *Mushroom* - Mushroom poisoning can present with various toxidromes depending on the species; however, some muscarine-containing species can cause **miosis** (pinpoint pupils), salivation, and bradycardia, while others may cause delirium or hepatic failure. - **Dilated pupils** are not a characteristic feature of the more common deadly mushroom poisonings that lead to coma. *Pilocarpine* - **Pilocarpine** is a **direct cholinergic agonist** that stimulates muscarinic receptors and typically causes **miosis (constricted pupils)**, increased secretions, and bradycardia. - It would not lead to dilated pupils or coma in the manner described.

Q: Concealment of birth is punishable under:

Sec. 318 IPC. ***Sec. 318 IPC*** - This section of the **Indian Penal Code (IPC)** specifically deals with the **concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body**. - It punishes anyone who, by **secretly burying or otherwise disposing of the dead body of a child**, endeavors to conceal the birth of the child. *Sec. 320 IPC* - This section defines **"grievous hurt"** under the IPC. - It lists various types of injuries that constitute grievous hurt, such as **emasculation**, permanent privation of sight or hearing, fracture or dislocation of a bone, etc., and is unrelated to concealment of birth. *Sec. 317 IPC* - This section pertains to the **exposure and abandonment of a child under twelve years** of age by a parent or person having care of it. - While it deals with offenses against a child, it specifically addresses abandonment rather than the concealment of a dead body after birth. *Sec. 312 IPC* - This section addresses **causing miscarriage**. - It punishes anyone who voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, which is distinct from the act of concealing a birth by disposing of a dead child's body.

Q: Marshall's triad is seen in:

Explosive injury. ***Explosive injury*** - Marshall's triad components, including **blast lung**, **abdominal hemorrhage**, and **tympanic membrane rupture**, are characteristic injuries of explosions, especially those involving pressure waves. - The triad highlights distinct patterns of organ damage caused by the high-energy transfer from blast forces. *Lightning injury* - Lightning injuries can cause diverse effects like **cardiac arrest**, **neurological damage**, and **burns**, but they do not typically present as Marshall's triad. - The primary mechanism is electrical, leading to distinct injury patterns different from blast trauma. *Gunshot injury* - Gunshot wounds create localized tissue damage along the projectile's path and a temporary cavity, but they do not cause generalized blast effects or the specific triad of Marshall. - The injury severity depends on the **caliber**, **velocity**, and **trajectory** of the bullet. *Drowning injury* - Drowning is characterized by **respiratory impairment** resulting from submersion or immersion in liquid, leading to **hypoxia** and multi-organ failure. - Its pathophysiology and presentation are entirely distinct from explosive trauma.

Q: Which of the following snakes is most commonly associated with hematologic abnormalities following envenomation?

Viper. ***Correct Answer: Viper*** - **Viper venom** contains **hemotoxic components** including **metalloproteinases** and **serine proteinases** that directly activate clotting factors - This leads to **consumptive coagulopathy** characterized by **thrombocytopenia**, **hypofibrinogenemia**, and prolonged coagulation times - Clinical manifestations include spontaneous **bleeding**, **ecchymoses**, **hemorrhage** at the bite site, and in severe cases, **disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)** - Viper envenomation is the **classic cause** of hematologic abnormalities among snake bites *Incorrect: Sea snake* - Sea snake venoms are primarily **neurotoxic** and **myotoxic**, causing paralysis and muscle damage - While they can cause **rhabdomyolysis** and subsequent **renal failure**, significant primary hematologic abnormalities are not their hallmark feature *Incorrect: Krait* - Krait venom is predominantly **neurotoxic**, leading to **flaccid paralysis** and **respiratory failure** - Does not typically cause the significant widespread **coagulopathies** seen with viper envenomation *Incorrect: Cobra* - Cobra venom primarily contains **neurotoxins** and **cytotoxins**, causing **paralysis**, **tissue necrosis**, and localized pain - While some cobras can cause minor local bleeding, they do not generally induce the severe and systemic **hematologic abnormalities** characteristic of viper bites

Q: Contributory negligence is negligence due to:

Patient only. ***Patient only*** - **Contributory negligence** specifically refers to negligence on the part of the **plaintiff** (the patient) that contributed to their own injury. - This doctrine can reduce or bar recovery for damages if the patient's own actions played a role in causing the harm. *Doctor only* - This describes **medical malpractice**, where the healthcare provider's negligence directly causes harm to the patient. - While a doctor's negligence is a primary concern in healthcare, it doesn't align with the legal concept of *contributory* negligence, which attributes fault to the injured party. *Both doctor and patient* - This scenario relates to **comparative negligence**, a legal doctrine where fault is apportioned between multiple parties (e.g., doctor and patient). - Contributory negligence, in its strict form, implies the patient's negligence alone contributed significantly enough to preclude full recovery, rather than shared fault. *Hospital administrator and doctor* - This refers to negligence stemming from actions of the hospital administration (e.g., systemic failures, inadequate resources) and individual medical errors by the doctor. - While both can be liable for negligence, this does not represent the patient's own contribution to their injury, which is the core of contributory negligence.

Question 1

Cheilography is the study of ?

Accepted Answer

Lip prints

Answer

Finger prints

Answer

Breath analysis

Answer

Foot prints

Question 2

Which traditional method is considered most reliable for personal identification in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Galton method

Answer

Gustafson's method

Answer

Anthropometry

Answer

DNA profiling

Question 3

Which of the following is a stomach poison?

Accepted Answer

Paris green

Answer

DDT

Answer

Malathion

Answer

Pyrethrum

Question 4

Minamata disease is caused by toxicity of:

Accepted Answer

Mercury

Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Antimony

Answer

Lead

Question 5

Which one of the tissues putrefies late?

Accepted Answer

Prostate

Answer

Liver

Answer

Brain

Answer

Stomach

Question 6

Dilated pupil with coma is seen in which poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Dhatura

Answer

Opium

Answer

Mushroom

Answer

Pilocarpine

Question 7

Concealment of birth is punishable under:

Accepted Answer

Sec. 318 IPC

Answer

Sec. 320 IPC

Answer

Sec. 317 IPC

Answer

Sec. 312 IPC

Question 8

Marshall's triad is seen in:

Accepted Answer

Explosive injury

Answer

Lightning injury

Answer

Gunshot injury

Answer

Drowning injury

Question 9

Which of the following snakes is most commonly associated with hematologic abnormalities following envenomation?

Accepted Answer

Viper

Answer

Sea snake

Answer

Krait

Answer

Cobra

Question 10

Contributory negligence is negligence due to:

Accepted Answer

Patient only

Answer

Doctor only

Answer

Both doctor and patient

Answer

Hospital administrator and doctor

NEET-PG 2013 — Forensic Medicine