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 mechanism produces postmortem lividity?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Gravitational settling of blood in dependent vessels

After circulation ceases, blood settles by gravity in dependent small vessels, creating purplish discoloration known as lividity; its distribution can help indicate body position after death.

Option by option

  • A. Evaporation of body water

    Water loss contributes to drying, not dependent purple discoloration.

  • B. Bacterial gas production only

    Putrefactive gas occurs later and is not the primary mechanism.

  • C. Gravitational settling of blood in dependent vessels (correct)

    Correct: gravity-dependent blood settling produces lividity.

  • D. Loss of muscle ATP

    Loss of ATP explains rigor mortis rather than lividity.

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 C, Gravitational settling of blood in dependent vessels. After circulation ceases, blood settles by gravity in dependent small vessels, creating purplish discoloration known as lividity; its distribution can help indicate body position after death.

Why is "Evaporation of body water" not the answer?

Water loss contributes to drying, not dependent purple discoloration.

Why is "Bacterial gas production only" not the answer?

Putrefactive gas occurs later and is not the primary mechanism.

Why is "Loss of muscle ATP" not the answer?

Loss of ATP explains rigor mortis rather than lividity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Postmortem changes in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: gravity-dependent blood settling produces lividity.

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.