Last 5 Year PYQs in Forensic Medicine

If you are preparing for Forensic Medicine, you must be aware of the fact that sometimes the subject feels like navigating a maze of legal terminology, toxicology facts, and post-portem changes.

However, as complex as the subject might seem, it’s undeniably one of the most scoring subjects in NEET PG if you know how to approach it. If you have a solid grasp of forensic medicine concepts, no one can stop you from tackling tricky questions with confidence.

To help you with this vast yet crucial subject, we have compiled a list of must-know Previous Year Questions from the last 5 years of NEET PG exams. These questions not only highlight important topics but also give you a coherent idea of the type of questions asked in the exam.

So, if you are looking for the determination to ace your exam, this list is made for you.

Q1. What is the drug that commonly leads to physical dependence?

1. Ketamine
2. Heroin
3. LSD
4. Phencyclidine

Ans. 2) Heroin

• Heroin, also known as diamorphine, is an opioid drug that is derived from morphine. It is highly addictive and is known to cause physical dependence.
• When individuals use heroin regularly, their body adapts to the presence of the drug, and they develop a tolerance to its effects. This means that over time, they require higher doses of heroin to achieve the desired effect.
• If a person becomes physically dependent on heroin and abruptly stops using it or significantly reduces its dosage, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
• These symptoms can be severe and include cravings, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, and flu-like symptoms.

Also read: Last 5 year PYQs in Microbiology for NEET PG

Q2. Typically, what is the condition of the hymen in cases of sexual assault involving a young child?

1. Ruptured since it is located superficially
2. Ruptured since it is very thin
3. Unruptured since it is deeply situated
4. Unruptured since it is highly elastic

Ans. 3) Unruptured since it is deeply situated:

• In cases of rape or sexual abuse of a young child, the hymen is more likely to be unruptured rather than ruptured.
• This is because the hymen is situated deeper inside the vaginal canal in children and is not easily accessible or visible externally.

Q3. In a civil negligence case against a doctor, who is responsible for providing evidence?

1. Patient
2. Police not under the rank of sub-inspector
3. Magistrate
4. Doctor

Ans. 1) Patient

• In a civil negligence case against a doctor, the burden of proof lies with the patient. The patient is the one making the claim against the doctor and alleging negligence. Therefore, it is the patient's responsibility to provide evidence and prove that the doctor's actions or omissions fell below the standard of care expected, resulting in harm or injury.

Q4. Which of the following poisons can be found even in skeletonized remains of the body?

1. Arsenic
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Hydrogen sulphide
4. Phoshorus

Ans. 1) Arsenic

• Arsenic is a poison that can be found even in skeletonized remains of the body. It has the ability to accumulate in bones over time, making it detectable even after the decomposition of soft tissues.
• This is because arsenic is a heavy metal; it replaces phosphorus and gets absorbed into the bones, where it may remain for years.

Also read: Last 5 Years PYQ's in Anesthesia for NEET PG

Q5. A child who is a victim under the POCSO Act is brought to the Department of Forensic   for age estimation. The X-ray image of the hand is shown below. What is the likely age of the child?​​

1. 4 years
2. 7 years
3. 10 years
4. 13 years

Ans. 4) 13 years

• The X-ray image of the hand shows that all carpal bones are visible and the lower epiphysis of the first metacarpal has not yet united with the shaft.
• These findings indicate that the child's skeletal development is consistent with an age of  approximately 13 years.

Q6. A little boy was playing in a garden. Suddenly, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. His friend who played with him in the garden informed the doctors that he ate one of the fruits in the garden post, and he seemed to have developed these symptoms. He also had irritability, restlessness, and dry, hot skin and was unable to pass urine and stools. Identify the poison and its appropriate antidote.

1. Datura, Pralidoxime
2. Datura, Physostigmine
3. Yellow oleander, Digoxin
4. Yellow oleander, Physostigmine

Ans. 2) Datura, Physostigmine

• Datura is a plant that contains  alkaloids, such as scopolamine and atropine, which have potent anticholinergic effects.
• Ingestion of Datura can lead to the symptoms described in the scenario, including irritability, restlessness, dry, hot skin, and urinary and bowel retention.
• Physostigmine is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that acts by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the body.
• It is an appropriate antidote for anticholinergic poisoning, including Datura poisoning. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, physostigmine can counteract the effects of excessive anticholinergic activity and alleviate the symptoms.
• Therefore, in the given scenario, the correct option is "Datura, Physostigmine," because physostigmine is the appropriate antidote for reversing the anticholinergic effects of Datura poisoning.

Also read: NEET PG Previous Year Question Papers of Last 6 Years

Q7. Identify the lesion shown in the image below.​

1. Laceration
2. Incised wound
3. Laceration-looking incised wound
4. Incised-looking laceration

Ans. 4) Incised-looking laceration

• The most appropriate identification for the lesion shown in the image would be "incised-looking laceration."
• Laceration produced without excessive skin crushing by blunt objects on the areas where the skin is close to bone and subcutaneous tissues are scanty may produce a wound that, by linear splitting of tissues, may look like an incised wound.

Q8. A young teenage boy with a history of drug abuse had been instilled with a shot of intravenous cocaine at a party. He is rushed to the emergency room by his friends. Some of the symptoms were diaphoresis, headache, and acute coronary spasm. Which of the following symptoms noted would go against the likely diagnosis of cocaine poisoning?

1. Myocardial ischemia
2. Bradycardia
3. Hyperthermia
4. Agitation

Ans. 2) Bradycardia

• In the context of cocaine poisoning, the symptoms typically include diaphoresis (excessive sweating), headache, acute coronary spasm leading to myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart), and agitation. However, bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not commonly associated with cocaine poisoning. Instead, cocaine use usually leads to tachycardia (rapid heart rate) as one of its effects on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the presence of bradycardia would go against the likely diagnosis of cocaine poisoning.

Also read: Important One-liners in FMT (Forensic Medicine)

Q9. The phenomenon shown below is typically seen in  the case of ?​​

1. Case of torture phalanges.
2. Case of suspension or hanging more than 72 hours
3. Case of immersion in water for 36 hours
4. Case of colliquative liquefaction due to immersion in hot water

Ans. 3) Case of immersion in water for 36 hours

• Immersion in water for an extended period can lead to specific postmortem changes.
• These changes include maceration of the skin, separation of the epidermis, and swelling due to water absorption.
• Additionally, there may be a softening and detachment of the skin, known as a "washerwoman's hands" or "glove-like" appearance.
• Other features that can be observed include skin slippage, wrinkling, and a pale appearance.

Q10. What is the active principle of the poison shown in the image?​​

1. Ricin
2. Bhilawanol
3. Abrin
4. Calotropin

Ans. 2) Bhilawanol

• The correct Ans. for the active principle of the poison shown in the image of the marking nut is Bhilawanol. Bhilawanol is a toxic phenolic constituent found in the seeds or nuts of the plant Semecarpus anacardium. It is responsible for the toxic effects associated with the consumption or contact with the marking nut.

Also read: FMT Clinical and Non-Clinical Practice Questions for NEET PG

Q11. Which of the following is true regarding the post-mortem change shown in the image given below?

1. Seen within first 12 hours of death
2. It occurs due to the accumulation of deoxygenated blood
3. It results from bacterial activity
4. It is seen in case of lightning

Ans. 3) It results from bacterial activity

• The image shows post-mortem marbling.
• Post-mortem marbling appears as discoloration of prominent superficial veins to a green-brown color.
• Clostridium welchii bacteria form hydrogen Sulphide gas in the superficial veins, which combine with the Hb to form sulfhemoglobin (SulfHb), which leads to these changes.

Q12. ​​A woman gave birth to twins. The father, who believed that they did not belong to him, requested DNA testing. After testing, it was found that one child did not belong to him. This case would be best described as?

1. Superfetation
2. Superfecundation
3. Suppositious child
4. Atavism

Ans. 2) Superfecundation

• Superfecundation refers to the fertilization of two or more ova from different acts of sexual intercourse in the same cycle, resulting in the conception of multiple embryos with different genetic fathers. In the given scenario, the woman gave birth to twins, but DNA testing revealed that one child did not belong to the father.
• This indicates that two separate acts of sexual intercourse with different partners occurred, leading to the fertilization of two different ova by two different spermatozoa. As a result, the twins have different genetic fathers, confirming the occurrence of superfecundation.

Q13. While recording evidence in the court of law, the opposing lawyer asked the witness, “Did A kill B in your presence?” The witness said, "Yes." Which procedural route would this type of question be permitted in the court of law?

1. Examination-in-chief
2. Direct examination
3. Cross-examination
4. Re-direct examination

Ans. 3) Cross-examination

• Cross-examination is the correct procedural route in the court of law for this type of question. During cross-examination, the opposing lawyer has the opportunity to question the witness to test their credibility, challenge their statements, and uncover any inconsistencies or biases by asking leading questions. Cross-examination plays a critical role in the adversarial system, allowing both sides to present their case and test the evidence presented by the opposing party.

Also read: Recent Amendments to Criminal Laws in India

Q14. In the provided scenario, a 56-year-old individual visits the medical facility complaining of fatigue, pallor, and abdominal pain. The patient also mentions experiencing memory loss and discloses their occupation at a battery recycling plant. During the examination, a clear foot drop is observed in both lower limbs. Subsequent laboratory tests indicate increased blood lead levels. Which specific enzyme is impacted in this case?

1. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase
2. Uroporphyrinogen III
3. Uroporphyrinogen I
4. Pyruvate dehydrogenase

Ans. 1) Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase

• The enzyme influenced in the given situation is Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase, responsible for the second step in the biosynthesis of heme
• Lead inhibits the movement of this enzyme, driving to a collection of its substrate, ALA, and a diminishment in heme generation. 
• This causes several indications, including weakness, stomach pain, memory loss, and neuropathy.

Q15. Identify the gun that caused the wound and the range of the shot.​​​

1. Shotgun, intermediate range
2. Shotgun, close range
3. Pistol, near shot
4. Pistol, close shot

Ans. 3) Pistol, near shot

• When analyzing a gunshot wound, variables such as the size and shape of the wound, the depth of penetration, and the nearness of gunpowder buildup can give clues about the sort of gun utilized and the extent of the shot. 
• In this case, the wound was caused by a gun, as shown by its size and shape, which are consistent with a small-caliber handgun.
• Furthermore, the wound was caused by a near shot, as shown by the presence of powder burns and the nonappearance of soot or stippling. 
• Powder burns happen when gunpowder particles from the muzzle blast are stored on the skin, whereas sediment and stippling are caused by burning gunpowder and unburned powder particles separately, which can, as it were, travel short distances. 
• Hence, the need for soot or stippling proposes that the weapon was terminated at a near extent, inside a number of inches of the victim.

Also read: Infanticide: Causes, Implications, and Prevention

Q16. Identify the type of wound from the image.​​

1. Defense wounds
2. Antemortem wound
3. Postmortem wound
4. Hesitation cuts

Ans. 1) Defense wounds

• Defense wounds are wounds that are dispensed by an individual who is attempting to defend themselves from an aggressor. 
• If the weapon grasps while defending, the Palmar surface of 1st web space is the MC site affected. This is an Active defense injury
• If the person just tries to protect himself without grasping the weapon, the medial/ulnar margin of the forearm is MC affected. It is a Passive defense injury
• Though the presence of a defense injury is diagnostic to homicide , it is not mandatory to present in all cases.
• Defense injuries are absent when pt. is
  • Attacked from behind 
  • Unconscious 
  • Asleep

Q17. Identical twins have similarities in all of the following except?

1. Blood group
2. DNA fingerprinting
3. Fingerprint pattern
4. Iris color

Ans. 3) Fingerprint pattern

• Fingerprint patterns are not solely determined by genetic factors but also influenced by other developmental factors during the formation of the ridges and patterns on the fingers. As a result, even identical twins will have distinct fingerprint patterns.

Q18. Which of the following statements accurately describes battered baby syndrome?

1. Skin lesions and bruises of various ages are seen on the body
2. It occurs due to the tendency of a child to fall repeatedly
3. Multiple stab wounds are seen
4. The syndrome is a result of firearm injuries

Ans. 1) Skin lesions and bruises of various ages are seen on the body

Battered baby syndrome refers to a pattern of injuries seen in infants and young children who have been physically abused. The correct statement states that skin lesions and bruises of various ages are seen on the body in cases of battered baby syndrome. This is an accurate description of the syndrome. Abused children often present with multiple injuries in different stages of healing, indicating repeated episodes of abuse over time. These injuries can include bruises, burns, fractures, and other signs of physical trauma.

Also read: Abrasion: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Q19. Who ordered the autopsy in the case of RTA?

1. Forensic expert
2. Police
3. Lawyer
4. forensic doctor

Ans. 2) Police

In cases of road traffic accidents (RTA), the police are responsible for ordering an autopsy to determine the cause of death. This is part of their duty to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and to ensure proper legal procedures are followed. The police will request an autopsy if there is a need to understand the cause of death more clearly or if it is required for legal reasons.

Q20. Aldrich mees lines and raindrop pigmentation in hand is seen in which poisoning?

1. Arsenic
2. Thallium
3. Cadmium
4. Lead

Ans. 1) Arsenic

Aldrich-Mees lines (transverse white lines across the nails) and raindrop pigmentation (brownish discoloration) on the hands are characteristic signs of arsenic poisoning. Arsenic is known to cause these distinctive dermatological and nail changes. Arsenic interferes with the keratinization process in the nails, leading to the formation of Mees lines, and can cause pigmentary changes in the skin.

Q21. Which of the following is true regarding adipocere formation?

1. Preservation by saponification
2. High temperature needed
3. Cool and dry climate needed
4. Occurs within minutes to hours

Ans. 1) Preservation by saponification

Adipocere formation, also known as "grave wax," is a process where body fat turns into a waxy substance due to saponification. This process involves the hydrolysis of fats in the body by bacteria, leading to the formation of a soapy, wax-like substance that helps in the preservation of the body.

Also read: Self-harm (Self-injury): Causes, Symptoms, Types, Risk Factors

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