Postmortem changes: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Postmortem changes

Sample item

Which change makes muscles stiff after death?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Rigor mortis

This Postmortem changes item is resolved by the defining principle: Rigor mortis best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Option by option

  • A. Rigor mortis (correct)

    Correct. Rigor mortis directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

  • B. Putrefaction

    Putrefaction is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested postmortem changes conclusion.

  • C. Adipocere formation

    Adipocere formation does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

  • D. Maceration

    Maceration may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is A, Rigor mortis. This Postmortem changes item is resolved by the defining principle: Rigor mortis best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Why is "Putrefaction" not the answer?

Putrefaction is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested postmortem changes conclusion.

Why is "Adipocere formation" not the answer?

Adipocere formation does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

Why is "Maceration" not the answer?

Maceration may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Postmortem changes in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct. Rigor mortis directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Postmortem changes?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.