American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What condition describes mechanical asphyxia?

1. Inability of the chest to function, inhibiting normal resuscitation

2. A blockage of the airway leading to suffocation

3. A psychological response to failure in breathing

4. A result of drowning in water

The correct answer is: Inability of the chest to function, inhibiting normal resuscitation

Mechanical asphyxia refers to a situation where external physical forces prevent the normal process of breathing, thereby leading to a lack of oxygen supply to the body. This condition can occur when the chest is unable to expand properly, effectively inhibiting normal resuscitation efforts. For instance, if the chest is compressed due to weight or constriction, the diaphragm cannot move effectively, which is essential for inhalation and proper ventilation. This definition distinctly separates mechanical asphyxia from other forms of asphyxia. In contrast, airway blockage refers to a different mechanism where something obstructs the trachea or larynx, thereby preventing air from reaching the lungs. The psychological response to failure in breathing captures a mental or emotional reaction rather than a physical one. Lastly, drowning pertains specifically to asphyxia caused by water entering the lungs, which would not fall under the definition of mechanical asphyxia, as it involves an entirely different mechanism of suffocation. Thus, the focus on physical restriction of the chest's expansion aligns precisely with the definition of mechanical asphyxia.