Which of the following is a characteristic of putrefaction?

a. Skin tightening

b. Muscle relaxation

c. Bloating

d. A blue discoloration

The answer is c.

Putrefaction is the decaying or decomposition of a dead body. After a few days, the abdomen will grow larger from gas formation, thus becoming bloated. Although discoloration does occur, it is first green and then black, not blue.