Asphyxial deaths: 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

Sample item

Which finding is typical of an ante-mortem hanging?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. An oblique, incomplete ligature mark rising to the knot

In hanging the ligature mark is oblique, above the thyroid cartilage, incomplete (non-continuous at the knot) and often with an inverted V shape. In strangulation it is horizontal, complete and at or below the thyroid cartilage. The hyoid is fractured in only a minority.

Option by option

  • A. Absence of any ligature mark

    A ligature mark is expected in hanging.

  • B. An oblique, incomplete ligature mark rising to the knot (correct)

    Correct. The mark follows the pull of the body weight upward toward the suspension point.

  • C. Always fractured hyoid

    Hyoid fracture is neither constant nor required for the diagnosis.

  • D. A horizontal, complete ligature mark at the level of the thyroid cartilage

    A horizontal complete mark at the thyroid cartilage suggests strangulation.

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.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, An oblique, incomplete ligature mark rising to the knot. In hanging the ligature mark is oblique, above the thyroid cartilage, incomplete (non-continuous at the knot) and often with an inverted V shape.

Why is "Absence of any ligature mark" not the answer?

A ligature mark is expected in hanging.

Why is "Always fractured hyoid" not the answer?

Hyoid fracture is neither constant nor required for the diagnosis.

Why is "A horizontal, complete ligature mark at the level of the thyroid cart…" not the answer?

A horizontal complete mark at the thyroid cartilage suggests strangulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Asphyxial deaths in Forensic Medicine. In strangulation it is horizontal, complete and at or below the thyroid cartilage. The hyoid is fractured in only a minority.

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?

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.