Which of the following is a nerve agent rather than a vesicant?

Which of the following is a nerve agent rather than a vesicant?

• A. Mustard gas
• B. Nitrogen mustard
• C. Sarin
• D. Lewisite

Answer: (C)

Understanding how these agents affect the body helps you spot the right choice. Nerve agents rapidly disrupt nervous system signaling by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which causes an overwhelming buildup of acetylcholine at nerve endings. That leads to quick, widespread cholinergic effects—excessive secretions, sweating, tearing, pinpoint pupils, bronchospasm, bradycardia, and potentially seizures. Vesicants, by contrast, mainly cause skin and mucous membrane damage, producing blisters and chemical burns with a slower, delayed onset. Among the options, the one that fits the nerve agent profile is sarin. The others—mustard gas, nitrogen mustard, and Lewisite—are vesicants and cause blistering and tissue injury rather than rapid cholinergic crisis.

Understanding how these agents affect the body helps you spot the right choice. Nerve agents rapidly disrupt nervous system signaling by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which causes an overwhelming buildup of acetylcholine at nerve endings. That leads to quick, widespread cholinergic effects—excessive secretions, sweating, tearing, pinpoint pupils, bronchospasm, bradycardia, and potentially seizures. Vesicants, by contrast, mainly cause skin and mucous membrane damage, producing blisters and chemical burns with a slower, delayed onset.

Among the options, the one that fits the nerve agent profile is sarin. The others—mustard gas, nitrogen mustard, and Lewisite—are vesicants and cause blistering and tissue injury rather than rapid cholinergic crisis.