Thanatology: 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.

Try it

Forensic Medicine · Thanatology

Sample item

Which finding is most useful when estimating whether rigor mortis has begun to pass off?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Return of flaccidity in previously stiff muscle groups

Rigor mortis eventually resolves as muscle proteins break down, so return of flaccidity after prior stiffness can help estimate progression of postmortem change.

Option by option

  • A. Absence of corneal clouding

    Corneal clouding has a separate time course.

  • B. Fixed lividity becoming more purple

    Lividity colour alone is not a rigor-stage marker.

  • C. Return of flaccidity in previously stiff muscle groups (correct)

    Correct: secondary flaccidity follows rigor resolution.

  • D. Complete loss of body heat

    Body cooling has different environmental determinants.

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 C, Return of flaccidity in previously stiff muscle groups. Rigor mortis eventually resolves as muscle proteins break down, so return of flaccidity after prior stiffness can help estimate progression of postmortem change.

Why is "Absence of corneal clouding" not the answer?

Corneal clouding has a separate time course.

Why is "Fixed lividity becoming more purple" not the answer?

Lividity colour alone is not a rigor-stage marker.

Why is "Complete loss of body heat" not the answer?

Body cooling has different environmental determinants.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thanatology in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: secondary flaccidity follows rigor resolution.

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 Thanatology?

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.