Rigor mortis means?

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

Rigor mortis is the medical term for the stiffening of the body's muscles that occurs after death.
This process is caused by the depletion of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the energy molecule required for muscles to relax.
Without ATP, the contractile proteins in the muscles (actin and myosin) remain locked in a contracted state, leading to rigidity.

Option B: This describes Livor Mortis, not Rigor Mortis. Livor mortis is the postmortem discoloration caused by the settling of blood in the dependent parts of the body due to gravity.
Option C: This describes Algor Mortis, not Rigor Mortis. Algor mortis is the postmortem cooling of the body as it equalizes with the ambient temperature.
Option D: This option is incorrect because the other options describe three distinct and separate postmortem phenomena (Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, and Algor Mortis), not a single process.

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 postmortem changes is crucial in forensic medicine to estimate the time of death (postmortem interval).
Nurses must perform postmortem care before rigor mortis fully sets in. This includes positioning the body, closing the eyes and mouth, and inserting dentures to maintain the dignity of the deceased, as these actions become difficult once the body is stiff.
What if? If a body is found in a very cold environment, algor mortis (cooling) will proceed much faster, and the onset of rigor mortis may be delayed or less pronounced, which must be factored into any estimation of the time of death.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests the definition of a specific medical term.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Rigor mortis'.
Recall or deduce the definition of this term. 'Rigor' relates to stiffness or rigidity, and 'mortis' relates to death.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A directly matches the definition of muscle stiffness after death. Options B and C describe other distinct postmortem changes (Livor Mortis and Algor Mortis, respectively).
Therefore, select the option that accurately defines rigor mortis and eliminate the others.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

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