Gradual decrease of the body's temperature after death is known as?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Explanation

Algor mortis is the correct medical term for the reduction in body temperature following death.
This cooling occurs because metabolic processes that generate heat have stopped, and the body's thermoregulatory center (hypothalamus) is no longer active.
The body will continue to cool until it reaches equilibrium with the ambient (surrounding) temperature.
The typical rate of cooling is about 1°C per hour, which is a key factor used in forensic estimations.

Option A: Livor mortis refers to the discoloration of the skin, not the change in temperature. It is caused by the gravitational pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body after circulation has stopped.
Option C: Rigor mortis describes the stiffening of the body's muscles that occurs after death. It is a chemical change resulting from the depletion of ATP in muscle cells, which causes them to become rigid.
Option D: This option is incorrect because there is a correct term among the choices. Algor mortis accurately describes the postmortem cooling of the body.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Postmortem physiological changes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In forensic nursing and medicine, assessing algor mortis, along with livor and rigor mortis, is fundamental for estimating the time of death (postmortem interval).
Nurses should be aware that the rate of cooling is influenced by many variables, including the patient's clothing, body mass index (BMI), and the temperature of the environment where the body is found.
What if? If a body is found submerged in cold water, the rate of algor mortis will be significantly accelerated compared to a body in a temperate room, drastically altering the time-of-death calculation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem: 'gradual decrease of the body's temperature after death'.
Next, analyze the options provided, which are all terms related to postmortem changes.
If you know the Latin or Greek roots, it can be a helpful clue: 'Algor' relates to cold, 'Livor' to a bluish color, and 'Rigor' to stiffness.
Recall the specific definitions for each term: Algor mortis (cooling), Livor mortis (coloring), and Rigor mortis (stiffening).
Match the definition from the question stem to the correct term. 'Decrease of temperature' directly corresponds to Algor mortis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QvMNWHNUN-1-PPtgobVyxA

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 946-948, 951-953

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.