NEET-PG 2018 - Forensic Medicine PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Muscle pain and nephropathy with proximal tubule proteinuria are caused by which metal poisoning?

Cadmium. ***Cadmium*** - **Cadmium poisoning** particularly affects the kidneys, causing **tubular proteinuria** due to damage to the proximal tubules, and can also lead to **muscle pain**. - Chronic exposure is associated with **Itai-itai disease** (meaning "it hurts-it hurts" in Japanese), characterized by **osteomalacia**, skeletal pain, and an increased risk of fractures due to its impact on calcium and phosphate metabolism. - The proximal tubular damage results in excretion of **low molecular weight proteins** (β2-microglobulin). *Mercury* - **Mercury poisoning** primarily affects the nervous system (e.g., **tremors, paresthesias, memory loss**) and the kidneys, but is less commonly associated with significant muscle pain or proximal tubular proteinuria as a primary feature. - Exposure routes include ingestion of contaminated fish (**methylmercury**) or inhalation of mercury vapor. *Lead* - **Lead poisoning** is characterized by **abdominal pain (colic)**, **neuropathy (wrist drop)**, **anemia**, and **nephropathy**, but the kidney damage is typically **interstitial** rather than primarily proximal tubular proteinuria. - It also affects the **central nervous system**, especially in children, leading to developmental delays. *Arsenic* - **Arsenic poisoning** is known for its effects on the skin (**hyperkeratosis, hyperpigmentation, Mees' lines**), nervous system (**peripheral neuropathy**), and gastrointestinal tract (severe vomiting and diarrhea). - While it can cause kidney damage, **proximal tubular proteinuria** is not its hallmark renal manifestation, and muscle pain is not a primary symptom. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What is the characteristic smell of a properly mummified body?

Odourless. ***Odourless*** - A **properly mummified body** is characterized by **complete desiccation (drying) of tissues**, which prevents decomposition and eliminates putrefactive odors. - In **forensic contexts**, mummification typically occurs through **natural processes** in dry, well-ventilated environments, or through **artificial embalming** that removes moisture and inhibits bacterial growth. - The **absence of moisture** makes the body largely **odorless**, as decomposition bacteria cannot survive without water. *Sweet* - A **sweet smell** is associated with **early decomposition stages**, particularly due to the formation of **adipocere** (grave wax) or **ketone production** during fat breakdown. - This smell indicates **active decomposition**, which is **absent in properly mummified remains**. *Offensive* - An **offensive smell** indicates active **putrefaction** with significant microbial activity producing foul-smelling gases (hydrogen sulfide, cadaverine, putrescine). - Mummification **prevents putrefaction** by removing the moisture necessary for bacterial growth. - An offensive odor in supposed mummified remains suggests **incomplete mummification** or **environmental degradation**. *Pungent* - A **pungent smell** arises from **ammonia and volatile amines** produced during protein decomposition by bacteria. - This indicates **active autolysis and putrefaction**, processes that are **arrested in true mummification** due to tissue desiccation. - A properly preserved mummy should **not produce decomposition-related odors**. [Practice more Forensic Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

What is meant by Superfecundation?

Accepted Answer

Fertilization of two or more ova in different intercourses in same menstrual cycle

Answer

Fertilization of ova and then its division

Answer

Fertilization of two or more ova in one intercourse

Answer

Fertilization of second ovum after first one is already implanted

Question 2

Muscle pain and nephropathy with proximal tubule proteinuria are caused by which metal poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Cadmium

Answer

Mercury

Answer

Lead

Answer

Arsenic

Question 3

What is the characteristic smell of a properly mummified body?

Accepted Answer

Odourless

Answer

Sweet

Answer

Offensive

Answer

Pungent

NEET-PG 2018 — Forensic Medicine