What is the primary cause of death in cases of electrocution?

Ventricular fibrillation, particularly with low voltage current.

Which type of current is more hazardous, AC or DC, and why?

Alternating current (AC) is more hazardous because it causes muscle spasms, preventing victims from releasing live wires.

What are arborescent markings, and how do they occur in lightning victims?

Arborescent markings are fern-like patterns on the skin caused by lightning injuries, resulting from electrical discharges over the skin.

In high-voltage electrocution, which mechanism leads to respiratory paralysis?

When the electrical current affects the muscles responsible for breathing.

Which specific histological change is consistently observed in electrocution deaths?

Myofibre break-up (MFB) is present in 90% of electrocution deaths.

What is the lethal intensity range for direct current (DC) current?

200-250 milliamp intensity can be lethal.

What are the common external findings in lightning-induced fatalities?

External findings include ecchymosed burns, arborescent markings, and burnt clothing.

Which factors can exacerbate the effects of electrical injuries?

Alternating current, wet clothing, poor health, and anxiety.

What is a 'Joule burn'?

A type of burn caused by the conversion of electrical energy into heat within the body.

Which type of radiation exposure is characterized by the highest penetrating ability?

Gamma radiation has the highest penetrating ability.

What is the primary mechanism of death in lightning strike victims?

Immediate death is typically due to high-voltage direct current, leading to cardiopulmonary arrest.

Which of the following symptoms is common after exposure to ionizing radiation? A) Erythema B) Blistering C) Nausea D) All of the above

D) All of the above

What are typical internal findings in lightning-related fatalities?

Congested membranes, intracranial and intracerebral effusion, and patchy hemorrhage.

How does the mechanism of lightning injury differ in the case of a direct strike versus a side flash?

A direct strike hits the victim directly, while a side flash occurs when lightning strikes an object and the current jumps to a nearby person.

What role does amperage play in the severity of electrical injuries?

Higher amperage generally leads to more severe injuries and poorer outcomes.

What specific change in heart cells is indicative of electrocution?

Basal cell changes where basal cells merge into star-shaped or rod-like structures.

Which environmental factors contribute to the severity of radiation exposure?

Duration of exposure, distance from the radioactive source, and shielding from radiation.

What is the phenomenon known as 'crocodile skin lesion' associated with?

It is associated with electrical burns, characterized by skin damage resembling crocodile skin, typically occurring at joint sites.

What type of electrical injury is characterized by visible burns on dry skin?

Electrical injuries typically show visible burns on dry skin, unlike moist skin which may not exhibit clear burns.

In judicial electrocution, what is the purpose of the initial high-voltage surge?

The initial high-voltage surge is intended to cause immediate unconsciousness.

What is the significance of metallisation in electrical injuries?

Metallisation involves embedding metallic ions into the skin and tissues, detectable via chemical methods.

Which type of radiation exposure results from the use of radioactive materials in medical procedures?

Therapeutic exposure to ionizing radiation occurs during diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment.

What are the acute symptoms associated with severe radiation exposure?

Acute symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and malaise.

What is the main medical consideration for doctors administering supervoltage therapy?

Doctors must exercise caution to avoid negligence claims if harm occurs to patients.

Which type of current is more likely to cause ventricular fibrillation in electrocution cases? A) Direct Current (DC) B) Alternating Current (AC) C) Low Voltage Current D) High Voltage Current

B) Alternating Current (AC)

What is the primary cause of death from electrocution?

Ventricular fibrillation, particularly when electrical current passes through the heart muscle.

Identify a characteristic feature of 'Joule burns' resulting from electrical injuries.

Joule burns occur when electrical energy is converted into heat within the body, typically without visible external burns if the skin is moist.

Which mechanism of lightning injury involves the victim being struck directly by the lightning bolt? A) Side Flash B) Ground Current C) Direct Strike D) Upward Streamer

C) Direct Strike

What unique histological change is observed in cases of electrocution related to myofibre break-up (MFB)?

Swollen bundles of heart cells adjacent to overly contracted cells, often with ruptured intercalated discs.

Describe the appearance of arborescent markings characteristic of lightning injuries.

Arborescent markings are fern-like patterns on the skin that appear reddened shortly after the incident and fade within 24 hours.