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

What preservation change produces a waxy appearance in moist conditions?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Adipocere formation

Adipocere is a waxy transformation of body fat in damp environments through hydrolysis and hydrogenation, which can slow decomposition.

Option by option

  • A. Desiccation

    Desiccation produces mummification rather than waxy fat.

  • B. Adipocere formation (correct)

    Correct: moist fat transformation produces adipocere.

  • C. Rigor mortis

    Rigor mortis is temporary muscle stiffness.

  • D. Cadaveric spasm

    Cadaveric spasm is immediate localized muscle contraction.

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.

More Forensic Medicine questions

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Adipocere formation. Adipocere is a waxy transformation of body fat in damp environments through hydrolysis and hydrogenation, which can slow decomposition.

Why is "Desiccation" not the answer?

Desiccation produces mummification rather than waxy fat.

Why is "Rigor mortis" not the answer?

Rigor mortis is temporary muscle stiffness.

Why is "Cadaveric spasm" not the answer?

Cadaveric spasm is immediate localized muscle contraction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Postmortem changes in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: moist fat transformation produces adipocere.

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.