AEMCA Practice Exam

What are common signs of nerve agent toxicity?

1. Increased heart rate, headache, and dizziness

2. Salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI symptoms, and emesis

3. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

4. Blurred vision, shortness of breath, and fever

The correct answer is: Salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI symptoms, and emesis

The correct answer highlights the classic symptoms associated with nerve agent toxicity, commonly summarized by the acronym SLUDGE, which stands for Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI symptoms, and Emesis. Nerve agents, such as sarin or VX, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the body. This can bring about overstimulation of the cholinergic system, resulting in a range of systemic effects. Each component of the correct answer reflects the physiological reactions triggered by nerve agents. For instance, excessive salivation occurs due to increased secretions stimulated by acetylcholine; lacrimation relates to increased tear production; and urination and defecation can result from the uncontrollable smooth muscle contractions in the bladder and intestines. Gastrointestinal symptoms and emesis (vomiting) also arise from the hyperactivity of the digestive tract. In context with other options, while increased heart rate and headaches can occur in various toxic exposures or illnesses, they are not specific to nerve agent exposure. Similarly, nausea and abdominal pain might occur in multiple scenarios unrelated to nerve agents. Blurred vision and shortness of breath can be associated with nerve agents, but they do not encompass the