American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Bloating of a body during the decomposition process is typically observed around 60 to 72 hours after death. This phase is primarily associated with the activities of bacteria that proliferate in the absence of oxygen, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. As these bacteria break down tissues, they produce gases, leading to the characteristic swelling or bloating.

In the early stages of decomposition, such as within the first 24 hours, the body typically undergoes rigor mortis and other initial physiological changes, but significant bloating is not yet evident. Bloating becomes more pronounced a few days post-mortem as gas accumulation increases. By recognizing the timing involved in decomposition stages, those in the field can better estimate the time of death and the conditions surrounding it. Understanding these processes is crucial for death investigators as it aids significantly in the establishment of timelines related to the occurrence of death.