Drowning: 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 · Drowning

Sample item

Which external observation can be seen in some bodies recovered soon after drowning?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fine persistent froth at nose or mouth

Fine froth at the mouth or nostrils may be seen after drowning, but drowning is diagnosed through integrated scene, autopsy, and laboratory assessment because no isolated sign proves immersion death.

Option by option

  • A. Universal absence of water in airways

    Water-related airway findings vary and cannot be reduced to universal absence.

  • B. Complete skin desiccation

    Complete desiccation is inconsistent with recent water immersion.

  • C. Fixed skeletal deformity

    Skeletal deformity is not an acute drowning sign.

  • D. Fine persistent froth at nose or mouth (correct)

    Correct: fine froth can be an observed supportive drowning feature.

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 D, Fine persistent froth at nose or mouth. Fine froth at the mouth or nostrils may be seen after drowning, but drowning is diagnosed through integrated scene, autopsy, and laboratory assessment because no isolated sign proves immersion death.

Why is "Universal absence of water in airways" not the answer?

Water-related airway findings vary and cannot be reduced to universal absence.

Why is "Complete skin desiccation" not the answer?

Complete desiccation is inconsistent with recent water immersion.

Why is "Fixed skeletal deformity" not the answer?

Skeletal deformity is not an acute drowning sign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Drowning in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: fine froth can be an observed supportive drowning feature.

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 Drowning?

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.