NEET-PG 2012 - Forensic Medicine PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Who invented the technique for identifying individuals by their DNA?

Jeffreys. ***Jeffreys*** - **Alec Jeffreys** developed the technique of **DNA fingerprinting** in 1984, which revolutionized forensic science and paternity testing. - His method involved analyzing **variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs)** in DNA to create a unique profile for each individual. *Shapiro* - **Robert Shapiro** is a legal figure, famously associated with the O. J. Simpson murder trial, not directly with the invention of DNA identification techniques. - While he was involved in cases where DNA evidence was used, he did not contribute to its scientific development. *Lewis* - **Edward B. Lewis** was a Nobel Prize-winning geneticist known for his work on **developmental genetics** in *Drosophila melanogaster*, not for DNA identification techniques. - His research focused on gene clusters and their role in embryonic development. *Pasteur* - **Louis Pasteur** was a pioneering microbiologist and chemist, famous for his discoveries related to **vaccination**, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization. - His work predates the discovery and application of DNA for individual identification by over a century. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause postmortem caloricity?

Septicemia. ***Septicemia*** - Septicemia is the **MOST common cause** of postmortem caloricity in forensic medicine - **Bacterial multiplication** continues after death, producing exothermic reactions that generate heat - **Bacterial toxins and metabolic processes** cause ongoing heat production postmortem - Body temperature may rise **1-2°C above normal** even hours after death - Well-documented in standard forensic texts as the classic cause of postmortem caloricity *Tetanus* - Tetanus can cause postmortem caloricity due to **intense muscle spasms and rigidity** - Muscle contractions generate heat that may persist briefly after death - However, once muscle activity ceases postmortem, heat generation stops - Less pronounced than septicemia where bacterial processes continue *Sunstroke* - Sunstroke causes **ante-mortem hyperthermia** (high temperature before death) - The elevated temperature may **delay cooling** but does not typically rise further postmortem - No ongoing metabolic processes to generate additional heat after death - Different from true postmortem caloricity where temperature increases after death *Burns* - Burns cause **tissue destruction** and elevated body temperature at the time of death - Do **NOT cause postmortem caloricity** in the forensic sense - No ongoing metabolic or bacterial processes in burned tissue to generate heat postmortem - The body follows normal cooling patterns after death [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Color of postmortem lividity in hypothermic deaths: NEET 2012

Bright pink. ***Bright pink*** - In **hypothermic deaths**, postmortem lividity characteristically appears **bright pink** due to **increased oxygen affinity of hemoglobin at lower temperatures**. - At cold temperatures, hemoglobin retains oxygen more tightly, resulting in well-oxygenated blood that produces a pinkish hue in dependent areas. - This is considered a **characteristic finding** in deaths due to cold exposure and hypothermia. *Purple* - **Purple lividity** is the **typical/classical color** seen in most deaths due to pooling of deoxygenated blood (reduced hemoglobin). - While this is the general appearance of livor mortis, it is **not specific** to hypothermic deaths. - Purple represents the baseline color, whereas bright pink is the distinguishing feature in hypothermia. *Deep red* - Deep red lividity may occur with well-oxygenated blood but is not specifically characteristic of hypothermia. - This color variation depends on general oxygenation status rather than cold-specific mechanisms. *Cherry red* - **Cherry red livor mortis** is a classic sign of **carbon monoxide poisoning** or **cyanide poisoning**. - Carboxyhemoglobin (in CO poisoning) produces a characteristic bright cherry red color. - This is unrelated to hypothermic deaths. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Rule of Hasse is used to determine :

Age of the fetus. ***Age of the fetus*** - **Hasse's Rule** is a forensic pathology method used to estimate the **age of a dead fetus** (stillborn or aborted fetus) based on its physical length. - The rule states: **For months 1-5**: Age in months = Length in cm; **For months 6-10**: Age in months = Length in cm ÷ 5 - This is primarily used in **medico-legal contexts** and post-mortem examinations, not in routine obstetric practice. - The measurement is taken from **crown to heel** of the deceased fetus. *Height of an adult* - Hasse's Rule is specifically for estimating **fetal age** in forensic settings, not for determining adult height. - Adult height is determined by genetics, nutrition, and growth patterns during development. *Race of a person* - This rule is used solely for **fetal age estimation** in post-mortem examinations. - It has no application in determining racial characteristics. *Identification of fetal abnormalities* - Hasse's Rule is a **dating method** for deceased fetuses, not a diagnostic tool for abnormalities. - Fetal abnormalities are identified through detailed anatomical examination, imaging studies, and other specific diagnostic methods. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What does the term 'vitriolage' refer to in a medical context?

The act of throwing sulfuric acid at someone.. ***The act of throwing sulfuric acid at someone.*** - **Vitriolage** specifically refers to an assault where **sulfuric acid** (historically called **oil of vitriol**) is used to disfigure or injure someone. - This practice is a severe form of **acid attack**, often resulting in extensive burns, disfigurement, and permanent damage. *The act of using vitriol to harm someone.* - While correct in a broad sense, this option is less specific. **Vitriol** refers specifically to sulfuric acid, and the act of vitriolage implies *throwing* it, rather than just "using" it broadly. - The term specifically highlights the **assaultive nature** and the characteristic manner of injury. *The act of causing harm through chemical means.* - This definition is too general; vitriolage is a particular type of chemical harm. There are many other ways to cause chemical harm (e.g., poisoning, chemical burns from other substances) that are not considered vitriolage. - The term is historically and medically tied to the use of a specific corrosive substance: **sulfuric acid**. *The act of poisoning someone with toxic substances.* - Poisoning typically involves *ingestion* or *internal exposure* to toxic substances, leading to systemic effects. - **Vitriolage** refers to *external application* (throwing) of a highly corrosive substance, causing localized and severe tissue damage rather than systemic poisoning. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Who invented the technique for identifying individuals by their DNA?

Accepted Answer

Jeffreys

Answer

Shapiro

Answer

Lewis

Answer

Pasteur

Question 2

Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause postmortem caloricity?

Accepted Answer

Septicemia

Answer

Burns

Answer

Tetanus

Answer

Sunstroke

Question 3

Color of postmortem lividity in hypothermic deaths: NEET 2012

Accepted Answer

Bright pink

Answer

Purple

Answer

Deep red

Answer

Cherry red

Question 4

Rule of Hasse is used to determine :

Accepted Answer

Age of the fetus

Answer

Height of an adult.

Answer

Race of a person.

Answer

Identification of fetal abnormalities.

Question 5

What does the term 'vitriolage' refer to in a medical context?

Accepted Answer

The act of throwing sulfuric acid at someone.

Answer

The act of using vitriol to harm someone.

Answer

The act of causing harm through chemical means.

Answer

The act of poisoning someone with toxic substances.

Question 6

Which heavy metal is the most common cause of poisoning worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Mercury

Answer

Cadmium

Answer

Lead

Question 7

Which of the following poisonings presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, Mees lines on nails, and myelosuppression?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Lead

Answer

Alcohol

Answer

Mercury

Question 8

What is the first external sign of decomposition of a dead body?

Accepted Answer

Greenish discolouration over right iliac fossa

Answer

Decomposition of liver and intestine

Answer

Greenish discolouration over dependent parts

Answer

Blood stained froth from mouth

Question 9

What is the estimated time for a dead body to float in water under typical summer conditions in India, considering various influencing factors?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

8 hours

Answer

16 hours

Answer

36 hours

Question 10

Dirt collar or grease collar is seen in which type of wound?

Accepted Answer

Firearm entry wound

Answer

Lacerated wound

Answer

Stab wound

Answer

Punctured wound by sharp weapon

NEET-PG 2012 — Forensic Medicine