NEET-PG 2024 - Forensic Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Mees' lines and raindrop pigmentation on the hands are seen in which type of poisoning?

Arsenic. **Arsenic** - **Mees' lines** (transverse white bands on fingernails) and **raindrop pigmentation** (hyperpigmentation with scattered hypopigmented spots) are classic dermatological manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning. - Arsenic interferes with cellular respiration and DNA repair, leading to systemic effects including characteristic skin changes. *Thallium* - Thallium poisoning is often associated with diffuse **hair loss (alopecia)**, sensory neuropathy, and gastrointestinal symptoms. - It does not typically cause Mees' lines or raindrop pigmentation. *Cadmium* - Chronic cadmium exposure is primarily associated with **renal dysfunction** (Fanconi syndrome), **osteomalacia**, and lung disease. - It does not cause the specific nail or skin pigmentation described. *Lead* - Lead poisoning typically manifests with **gastrointestinal symptoms** (colic), neurological deficits (foot drop), and **anemia**. - While it can cause some dermatological changes, **Mees' lines** and **raindrop pigmentation** are not characteristic features.

Q: A suspicious stain was treated with glacial acetic acid and heated. Examination shows the following crystalline finding. Which confirmatory test is being depicted?

Teichman test. ***Teichman test*** - The Teichman test involves treating bloodstains with **glacial acetic acid** and **heat** to form **hemin crystals**, which are characteristic rhombic crystals of hematin hydrochloride. - This test is a **confirmatory test** for the presence of blood, distinguished by its specific crystalline structure under magnification. *Barberios test* - The Barberio's test is used to detect **spermine**, a component of seminal fluid, not blood. - It involves the formation of yellow, needle-like crystals of **spermine picrate** when treated with picric acid. *Florence test* - The Florence test is another presumptive test for the presence of **spermine** in seminal fluid. - It produces dark brown, rhomboid crystals of **choline periodide** when Lugol's iodine solution is added. *Takayama test* - The Takayama test is a **confirmatory test for blood** that forms characteristic **hemochromogen crystals**. - This test uses a solution containing pyridine, glucose, and dilute sodium hydroxide, which, when heated, forms **pink feathery crystals**, differentiating it from the Teichman test's rhombic crystals.

Q: Based on the image provided, identify the range of fire.

Close range. ***Close range*** - The image clearly shows **tattooing** (unburnt gunpowder particles embedded in the skin) and **scorching/singeing** around the wound entrance, which are pathognomonic features of close-range gunshot wounds. - Close-range wounds occur when the firearm is discharged from **6 inches to 2 feet** away, allowing hot gases and powder particles to reach the skin but without creating a muzzle imprint. *Distant range* - Distant range wounds (beyond 2-3 feet) show **no tattooing or scorching** as the gunpowder particles lose velocity and hot gases cool down before reaching the target. - The wound would appear as a simple **punched-out hole** without surrounding debris, which is clearly not the case in this image. *Contact* - Contact wounds are characterized by a **muzzle imprint**, **star-shaped laceration** from gas expansion, and **absence of surface tattooing** as all residue enters the wound tract. - The image lacks the typical **cruciate tears** and **cherry-red discoloration** from carbon monoxide that are seen in contact wounds. *Cannot be predicted* - The visible **tattooing pattern** and **scorching** provide clear forensic evidence that allows definitive range determination according to **Reddy's Forensic Medicine** principles. - The combination of these specific findings makes range assessment not only possible but straightforward, contradicting the notion that it cannot be predicted.

Question 1

Mees' lines and raindrop pigmentation on the hands are seen in which type of poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Thallium

Answer

Cadmium

Answer

Lead

Question 2

A suspicious stain was treated with glacial acetic acid and heated. Examination shows the following crystalline finding. Which confirmatory test is being depicted?

Accepted Answer

Teichman test

Answer

Barberio's test

Answer

Florence test

Answer

Takayama test

Question 3

Based on the image provided, identify the range of fire.

Accepted Answer

Close range

Answer

Distant range

Answer

Contact

Answer

Cannot be predicted

NEET-PG 2024 — Forensic Medicine