Stiffness or rigidity of the muscles after death

Discoloration of the body after death

Decrease the temperature of the body after death

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Forensic Nursing & Indian laws

Easy

Rigor mortis means?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

Rigor mortis is defined as the post-mortem stiffening or rigidity of the body's muscles.
This phenomenon occurs due to the depletion of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) after death.
Without ATP, actin and myosin filaments in the muscles lock together, preventing relaxation and causing stiffness.
The process typically begins 2-4 hours after death, starting with smaller muscles and progressing to larger ones.

Option B: This describes Livor Mortis (postmortem lividity), not Rigor Mortis. Livor mortis is the purplish-red discoloration of the skin caused by the settling of blood in the dependent parts of the body due to gravity after circulation has stopped.
Option C: This describes Algor Mortis, not Rigor Mortis. Algor mortis is the process by which the body's temperature gradually decreases after death until it matches the ambient temperature.
Option D: This option is incorrect because only the first statement accurately defines rigor mortis. The other two options describe different, distinct post-mortem changes (Livor Mortis and Algor Mortis).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Postmortem Changes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the stages of post-mortem changes is crucial in nursing for providing appropriate and respectful post-mortem care, including positioning the body before rigor mortis sets in.
In forensic nursing and medicine, the state of rigor mortis, along with algor and livor mortis, is a key factor used to estimate the time of death.
What if the ambient temperature is very high? A higher temperature would accelerate the chemical reactions, causing rigor mortis to develop faster and also resolve more quickly due to faster decomposition.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Rigor mortis'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the definitions of post-mortem changes.
Evaluate each option against the definition of rigor mortis.
Option A directly defines rigor mortis as muscle stiffness.
Recognize that Option B (discoloration) defines Livor Mortis and Option C (cooling) defines Algor Mortis.
Since options B and C are incorrect, Option D ('All of the above') must also be incorrect. This confirms that Option A is the only correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Physiology Review Sembulingam 5e p. 42-44

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

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