Which of the following is not a postmortem change?

• A. Algor mortis
• B. Rigor mortis
• C. Livor mortis
• D. Facies Hippocratica

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is distinguishing true postmortem changes from signs that reflect conditions before death. Algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis are classic postmortem changes: the body cools after death, muscles stiffen as chemical processes run out of energy, and blood settles in dependent areas due to gravity. Facies Hippocratica, however, describes a gaunt, sunken, cachectic-looking face seen in people who were severely ill or emaciated before death. It reflects the pre-mortem state, not a physiological change that happens after death, so it isn’t a postmortem change.