Asphyxial deaths: froth in drowning: 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 · Asphyxial deaths: froth in drowning

Sample item

A body recovered from a pond shows froth at the mouth and nostrils. Which description is typical of drowning froth?

ABloody froth appearing only after putrefactionBCoarse froth that collapses within secondsCDry, absent froth at all timesDFine, white, lathery froth that persists and is hard to wipe away

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fine, white, lathery froth that persists and is hard to wipe away

In drowning, vigorous respiratory efforts churn water, mucus and air into a fine, white, lathery, tenacious froth, which wells up from the airway. It indicates ante-mortem respiration in water, though it is not invariable and froth also occurs in pulmonary oedema. Wiping brings more froth.

Option by option

A. Bloody froth appearing only after putrefaction
Putrefaction gives bloody fluid, not the characteristic froth.
B. Coarse froth that collapses within seconds
Coarse froth that collapses is not the typical drowning type.
C. Dry, absent froth at all times
Froth is common in fresh bodies, so it is not always absent.
D. Fine, white, lathery froth that persists and is hard to wipe away (correct)
Correct. Persistent fine froth forms from agitation of airway fluid.

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.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Fine, white, lathery froth that persists and is hard to wipe away. In drowning, vigorous respiratory efforts churn water, mucus and air into a fine, white, lathery, tenacious froth, which wells up from the airway.

Why is "Bloody froth appearing only after putrefaction" not the answer?

Putrefaction gives bloody fluid, not the characteristic froth.

Why is "Coarse froth that collapses within seconds" not the answer?

Coarse froth that collapses is not the typical drowning type.

Why is "Dry, absent froth at all times" not the answer?

Froth is common in fresh bodies, so it is not always absent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Asphyxial deaths: froth in drowning in Forensic Medicine. It indicates ante-mortem respiration in water, though it is not invariable and froth also occurs in pulmonary oedema. Wiping brings more froth.

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: froth in drowning?

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.