Autopsy Pathology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of formalin in autopsy procedures?

Accepted Answer

Preserving tissues

Answer

Enhancing staining

Answer

Eliminating bacteria

Answer

Increasing tissue flexibility

Question 2

Which of the following poses the most imminent threat of sudden death during an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrest

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Hypovolemic shock

Answer

Septic shock

Question 3

What does a cherry-red discolouration of the skin in a cadaver typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Answer

Cyanide poisoning

Answer

Hyperkalaemia

Answer

Hypothermia

Question 4

How do post-mortem examinations differ from autopsies?

Accepted Answer

Post-mortems focus on external causes of death, while autopsies focus on internal causes

Answer

Autopsies focus on external causes of death, while post-mortems focus on internal causes

Answer

The two terms refer to the same procedure

Answer

Post-mortems are performed on living patients, while autopsies are performed on deceased patients

Question 5

The primary objective of evisceration during an autopsy is to:

Accepted Answer

Expose the thoracic and abdominal cavities

Answer

Remove all organs for examination

Answer

Collect samples for toxicology testing

Answer

Determine the exact cause of death

Question 6

Noting the presence of rigor mortis during an autopsy is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Can help estimate the time of death

Answer

Suggests the exact cause of death

Answer

Can aid in identifying injuries

Answer

Has no significant value

Question 7

The specialized instrument primarily used to examine the brain during an autopsy is called a:

Accepted Answer

Brain knife

Answer

Scalpel

Answer

Hemostat

Answer

Retractor

Question 8

Which of the following instruments is not commonly used in autopsy pathology?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound probe

Answer

Scalpel

Answer

Forceps

Answer

Microscope

Question 9

What is the primary goal of a postmortem examination (autopsy)?

Accepted Answer

To determine the cause of death

Answer

To establish the identity of the deceased

Answer

To facilitate medical research

Answer

To provide comfort to family members

Question 10

What is the expected appearance of a lung affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema and fibrosis

Answer

Pneumonia and atelectasis

Answer

Edema and congestion

Answer

Collapse and consolidation

Question 11

In the United Kingdom, which legal requirement is essential before conducting an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Permission from the coroner

Answer

Consent from the next of kin

Answer

Request from the police

Answer

Approval from the hospital authorities

Question 12

What is the primary responsibility of a pathologist during an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Examining the body to determine the cause of death

Answer

Collecting evidence for legal proceedings

Answer

Providing support to the family of the deceased

Answer

Performing surgical procedures on the body

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of a forensic autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Determine the cause of death for insurance purposes

Answer

Determine the manner of death

Answer

Identify the deceased individual

Question 14

What is the primary goal of a clinical autopsy?

Accepted Answer

To improve medical knowledge and patient care

Answer

To identify the deceased individual

Answer

To determine the manner of death

Answer

To determine the cause of death for insurance purposes

Question 15

Which of the following techniques is used to remove and examine the internal organs during an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Evisceration

Answer

Biopsy

Answer

Endoscopy

Answer

Angiography

Question 16

A 25-year-old female presents with a history of sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. The autopsy reveals a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. What is the most likely cause of death?

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhage

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Infection

Answer

Heart attack

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of sudden death in young adults?

Accepted Answer

Chronic kidney disease

Answer

Drug overdose

Answer

Cardiac arrhythmia

Answer

Aortic dissection

Question 18

Which of the following is a critical step in the autopsy process to ensure accurate identification of the deceased?

Accepted Answer

External examination and documentation of identifying features

Answer

Performing a thorough neurological examination

Answer

Obtaining a detailed medical history from the family

Question 19

A 70-year-old male with a history of heart disease is found dead in his bed. The autopsy reveals significant coronary artery disease. What is the most likely cause of death?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac ischemia

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Stroke

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a primary aim of a forensic autopsy?

Accepted Answer

To determine the cause of death for insurance purposes.

Answer

To identify the deceased individual.

Answer

To determine the manner of death.

Question 21

A pathologist is examining a heart during an autopsy and observes a large area of pale, firm tissue. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction.

Answer

Pulmonary embolism.

Answer

Cardiac tamponade.

Answer

Aortic dissection.

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of a Y-shaped incision during an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

To provide optimal access to the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Answer

To allow for easier removal of the brain.

Answer

To minimize scarring on the body.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a common method used in autopsy tissue sampling?

Accepted Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG).

Answer

Biopsy.

Answer

Excision.

Question 24

A pathologist identifies multiple petechial hemorrhages on the deceased's conjunctivae. This finding is most strongly associated with:

Accepted Answer

Asphyxia.

Answer

Heart failure.

Answer

Kidney failure.

Answer

Stroke.

Question 25

What is the primary difference between a clinical autopsy and a forensic autopsy?

Accepted Answer

Clinical autopsies focus on disease processes, while forensic autopsies focus on the cause and manner of death.

Answer

Clinical autopsies are performed on patients who died in the hospital, while forensic autopsies are performed on individuals who died outside of a hospital setting.

Question 26

Which of the following statements about postmortem changes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Rigor mortis typically sets in within 2-6 hours after death.

Answer

Livor mortis is a permanent change that cannot be altered.

Answer

Algor mortis is the only postmortem change that can be reversed.

Question 27

A pathologist performing an autopsy on an infant observes multiple rib fractures of varying ages. This finding is most suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Shaken baby syndrome.

Answer

Congenital bone disorders.

Answer

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Question 28

What is the role of a histopathologist in an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

To examine tissue samples microscopically to confirm or clarify diagnoses.

Answer

To perform the gross examination of organs and tissues.

Answer

To determine the cause and manner of death.

Question 29

Which of the following is a potential limitation of autopsy pathology?

Accepted Answer

Autopsy findings may not always provide a definitive diagnosis, particularly in cases of complex diseases.

Answer

Autopsy is a highly invasive procedure and may not be ethically appropriate in all cases.