A dead body with suspected poisoning is having hypostasis of red brown or deep blue in colour. It is suggestive of poisoning due to
**Core Concept**
Hypostasis, also known as livor mortis, is the purplish discoloration of the skin that occurs after death due to the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body. The color of hypostasis can provide clues about the type of poisoning.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The color of hypostasis can be influenced by the presence of certain toxins or substances in the body. In this case, the red-brown or deep blue coloration is suggestive of poisoning due to carbon monoxide (CO). CO binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which causes the blood to appear red-brown or blue due to the impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues. This is because CO has a higher affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, leading to a shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Cyanide poisoning typically causes a bright red or pink coloration of the hypostasis due to the inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to an accumulation of oxygen in the tissues.
**Option B:** Opium poisoning does not typically affect the color of hypostasis.
**Option C:** Morphine poisoning can cause a range of effects, but it does not typically alter the color of hypostasis.
**Option D:** Arsenic poisoning can cause a range of effects, including changes in skin pigmentation, but it does not typically cause the observed red-brown or deep blue coloration of hypostasis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that the color of hypostasis can provide valuable clues about the type of poisoning, and it's essential to consider the context of the case, including the patient's history, symptoms, and environment, when interpreting this sign.
**Correct Answer:** C.