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 postmortem finding may suggest prolonged immersion in water?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Washerwoman wrinkling of hands and feet

Prolonged immersion can cause wrinkling and maceration of palmar and plantar skin, though it cannot determine exact immersion duration alone.

Option by option

  • A. Fixed flexion deformity of joints

    Joint deformity has a different musculoskeletal cause.

  • B. Warm dry skin

    Warm dry skin contradicts prolonged water immersion.

  • C. Washerwoman wrinkling of hands and feet (correct)

    Correct: water exposure macerates thick palmar and plantar skin.

  • D. Pupillary light reflex

    Pupillary reflex is absent after death.

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, Washerwoman wrinkling of hands and feet. Prolonged immersion can cause wrinkling and maceration of palmar and plantar skin, though it cannot determine exact immersion duration alone.

Why is "Fixed flexion deformity of joints" not the answer?

Joint deformity has a different musculoskeletal cause.

Why is "Warm dry skin" not the answer?

Warm dry skin contradicts prolonged water immersion.

Why is "Pupillary light reflex" not the answer?

Pupillary reflex is absent after death.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Postmortem changes in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: water exposure macerates thick palmar and plantar skin.

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.