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Question

Classify poisons based on the chief symptoms. Describe the legal duties of a medical practitioner in a case of suspected poisoning.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

Classification of Poisons Based on Chief Symptoms:

Corrosives: Cause tissue destruction (strong acids/alkalis) – pain, burning, perforation.

Irritants: Induce inflammation (arsenic, mercury) – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Neurotics:

Cerebral (opioids, hypnotics) – stupor, coma, convulsions.

Spinal (strychnine) – convulsions, spasms.

Peripheral (lead) – paralysis.

Cardiac Poisons: Affect heart (digitalis) – arrhythmias.

Asphyxiants: Impair oxygen supply (CO, cyanide) – hypoxia, cyanosis.

Miscellaneous: Allergens, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins.

Legal Duties of a Medical Practitioner:
In suspected poisoning, the practitioner must notify police or medico-legal authorities, preserve and label samples, maintain detailed documentation, avoid tampering with evidence, and issue certificates if death occurs. Compliance ensures legal protection, aids investigation, and may require court testimony. Failure can lead to legal consequences, emphasizing the medicolegal responsibility in poisoning cases.

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