Asphyxial deaths: stages of asphyxia: 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 · Asphyxial deaths: stages of asphyxia

Sample item

A man is rescued during an attempted suicide by hanging. He describes deep, laboured breathing first, followed by violent muscular spasms and loss of consciousness. The stage in which he had violent convulsions with forceful expiratory efforts is called:

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. The convulsive stage

Classic asphyxia passes through four stages: dyspnoeic (increased respiratory effort), convulsive (loss of consciousness, convulsions, violent expiratory efforts, rising pulse and pressure), exhaustion (respiratory failure, flaccid muscles, dilated pupils) and terminal apnoea with feeble gasps. Convulsions mark the second stage.

Option by option

  • A. The stage of exhaustion

    In exhaustion the muscles are flaccid and respiration weak rather than convulsive.

  • B. The dyspnoeic stage

    The dyspnoeic stage is the first, with deep, rapid breathing and no convulsions.

  • C. The convulsive stage (correct)

    Correct. Convulsions and forceful expiration characterise the second stage.

  • D. The terminal apnoeic stage

    Terminal apnoea is the last stage with a few gasps before breathing stops.

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, The convulsive stage. Classic asphyxia passes through four stages: dyspnoeic (increased respiratory effort), convulsive (loss of consciousness, convulsions, violent expiratory efforts, rising pulse and pressure), exhaustion (respiratory failure, flaccid muscles, dilated pupils) and terminal apnoea with feeble gasps.

Why is "The stage of exhaustion" not the answer?

In exhaustion the muscles are flaccid and respiration weak rather than convulsive.

Why is "The dyspnoeic stage" not the answer?

The dyspnoeic stage is the first, with deep, rapid breathing and no convulsions.

Why is "The terminal apnoeic stage" not the answer?

Terminal apnoea is the last stage with a few gasps before breathing stops.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Asphyxial deaths: stages of asphyxia in Forensic Medicine. Convulsions mark the second stage.

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 Asphyxial deaths: stages of asphyxia?

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.