Death investigation: 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 · Death investigation

Sample item

Which observation most strongly supports that a body has been moved after fixed lividity developed?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Lividity is fixed in a distribution inconsistent with the body's current position

Fixed lividity reflects dependent settling of blood after death. A mismatch between fixed pattern and current position can indicate movement after fixation.

Option by option

  • A. The pupils are equal and reactive

    Pupil equality is not a reliable indicator of postmortem movement.

  • B. The jaw is relaxed

    Jaw relaxation does not establish whether a body was moved.

  • C. The body is cold to touch

    Cooling depends on environment and is not position-specific.

  • D. Lividity is fixed in a distribution inconsistent with the body's current position (correct)

    Correct: fixed dependent staining should match the position during fixation.

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, Lividity is fixed in a distribution inconsistent with the body's current position. Fixed lividity reflects dependent settling of blood after death.

Why is "The pupils are equal and reactive" not the answer?

Pupil equality is not a reliable indicator of postmortem movement.

Why is "The jaw is relaxed" not the answer?

Jaw relaxation does not establish whether a body was moved.

Why is "The body is cold to touch" not the answer?

Cooling depends on environment and is not position-specific.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Death investigation in Forensic Medicine. A mismatch between fixed pattern and current position can indicate movement after fixation.

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 Death investigation?

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.