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**
The question is testing the knowledge of postmortem changes in the body due to poisoning, specifically the color changes in hypostasis (livor mortis). Hypostasis is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body after death, which can change color depending on the cause of death.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The color change in hypostasis to red-brown or deep blue is suggestive of poisoning due to carbon monoxide (CO) or cyanide. These substances bind to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) or cyanmethemoglobin, respectively. This results in a change in the color of the blood, giving it a red-brown or deep blue appearance. The mechanism involves the inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase by cyanide or the formation of a stable complex with hemoglobin by carbon monoxide.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because poisoning due to arsenic typically results in a bluish or purple discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, not red-brown or deep blue.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because poisoning due to morphine or other opioids does not typically result in a change in the color of hypostasis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because poisoning due to strychnine typically results in a pale or waxy appearance of the skin, not red-brown or deep blue.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of suspected poisoning, the color of hypostasis can be an important clue in determining the cause of death. However, it is essential to note that the color of hypostasis can be influenced by various factors, including the postmortem interval, environmental conditions, and the presence of other substances.
**Correct Answer:** C.