Injuries and wounds: acute radiation syndrome: 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 · Injuries and wounds: acute radiation syndrome

Sample item

After a radiation accident, which simple blood test in the first 24 to 48 hours best predicts the severity of exposure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Absolute lymphocyte count

Lymphocytes are the most radiosensitive circulating cells, so a rapid fall in the absolute lymphocyte count within the first two days indicates a higher dose. Platelet and haemoglobin changes appear later, and creatinine reflects kidney function.

Option by option

  • A. Haemoglobin concentration

    Haemoglobin changes slowly because red cells live for months.

  • B. Serum creatinine

    Creatinine reflects renal function and not early radiation dose.

  • C. Platelet count

    Platelets fall later as bone marrow stem cells are depleted.

  • D. Absolute lymphocyte count (correct)

    Correct. The early fall in lymphocytes is the best early guide to dose.

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 D, Absolute lymphocyte count. Lymphocytes are the most radiosensitive circulating cells, so a rapid fall in the absolute lymphocyte count within the first two days indicates a higher dose.

Why is "Haemoglobin concentration" not the answer?

Haemoglobin changes slowly because red cells live for months.

Why is "Serum creatinine" not the answer?

Creatinine reflects renal function and not early radiation dose.

Why is "Platelet count" not the answer?

Platelets fall later as bone marrow stem cells are depleted.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Injuries and wounds: acute radiation syndrome in Forensic Medicine. Platelet and haemoglobin changes appear later, and creatinine reflects kidney function.

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 Injuries and wounds: acute radiation syndrome?

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.