Immediate sign of death is: DNB 10
**Core Concept**
The immediate sign of death refers to the earliest and most reliable indicator of irreversible loss of vital functions in a person. This sign is crucial in determining the time of death and is often used in forensic and clinical settings.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The immediate sign of death is the cessation of cardiac activity, which is characterized by the absence of a pulse and cardiac rhythm. This occurs due to the irreversible failure of the heart to pump blood, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and ultimately, the failure of vital organs. The cessation of cardiac activity is often confirmed through electrocardiography (ECG) or cardiac monitoring.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option is incorrect as the cessation of breathing (apnea) is a sign of death, but it is not the immediate sign of death. Apnea can occur after cardiac arrest and is not a reliable indicator of the time of death.
**Option B:**
This option is incorrect as the loss of consciousness is a sign of brain death, but it is not the immediate sign of death. Brain death can occur after cardiac arrest, but it is not the earliest and most reliable indicator of death.
**Option C:**
This option is incorrect as the absence of reflexes is a sign of brain death, but it is not the immediate sign of death. Reflexes can be absent after cardiac arrest, but they are not a reliable indicator of the time of death.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The immediate sign of death is often referred to as "circulatory death," which occurs when the heart stops pumping blood. This is in contrast to "respiratory death," which occurs when the lungs stop functioning.
**Correct Answer: C. Cessation of cardiac activity.**