Which of the following is NOT a vesicant agent?

Which of the following is NOT a vesicant agent?

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

Answer: (D)

Blistering agents, or vesicants, are chemicals that cause severe blistering on skin and mucous membranes and often show a delayed onset after exposure. This question asks you to identify which substance does not fit that blister-causing pattern. Mustard gas, Lewisite, and nitrogen mustard are classic vesicants. They irritate and damage skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract, producing painful blisters that can develop hours after exposure. Because of their tendency to spread on clothing and surfaces, rapid decontamination of the patient and the environment is crucial to prevent secondary exposure. Sarin, on the other hand, is a nerve agent. It disrupts the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to a surge of acetylcholine and a cholinergic crisis. Symptoms develop quickly and include excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI upset, sweating, pinpoint pupils, bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, muscle twitching, seizures, and potentially respiratory failure. Decontamination is important, but the key issue is its mechanism and clinical presentation differ from blistering agents. So the substance that does not act as a vesicant is sarin.

Blistering agents, or vesicants, are chemicals that cause severe blistering on skin and mucous membranes and often show a delayed onset after exposure. This question asks you to identify which substance does not fit that blister-causing pattern.

Mustard gas, Lewisite, and nitrogen mustard are classic vesicants. They irritate and damage skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract, producing painful blisters that can develop hours after exposure. Because of their tendency to spread on clothing and surfaces, rapid decontamination of the patient and the environment is crucial to prevent secondary exposure.

Sarin, on the other hand, is a nerve agent. It disrupts the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to a surge of acetylcholine and a cholinergic crisis. Symptoms develop quickly and include excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI upset, sweating, pinpoint pupils, bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, muscle twitching, seizures, and potentially respiratory failure. Decontamination is important, but the key issue is its mechanism and clinical presentation differ from blistering agents.

So the substance that does not act as a vesicant is sarin.