Toxicology · NEET PG Preparation Forensic Medicine
Post-mortem examination of a victim who died rapidly after consuming a substance reveals bright red (cherry-red) lividity and the smell of bitter alm…
Practice question from Toxicology (NEET PG Preparation Forensic Medicine), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
medium · MCQ · Q-13B1BA
Post-mortem examination of a victim who died rapidly after consuming a substance reveals bright red (cherry-red) lividity and the smell of bitter almonds from the gastric contents. Which poison is most likely involved?
- A.Carbon monoxide
- B.Hydrocyanic acid (Cyanide)Correct answer
- C.Strychnine
- D.Methyl alcohol
Solution
Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, preventing cells from using oxygen. This results in venous blood remaining oxygenated, causing bright red or cherry-red post-mortem lividity, and the classic bitter almond odor of the breath or stomach contents.
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