Tabun, Sarin, Soman, VX are examples of:

• A. Blood agents
• B. Nerve agents
• C. Blister agents
• D. Choking agents

Answer: (B)

These are nerve agents. They’re organophosphorus compounds that block acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine in the nervous system. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine builds up at neuromuscular and autonomic synapses, causing widespread overstimulation of both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Clinically, this leads to a cholinergic crisis with signs such as excessive secretions, bronchospasm and wheezing, sweating, pinpoint pupils, bradycardia, muscle twitching, weakness, seizures, and potentially coma. Because the effect disrupts nerve signaling so rapidly, prompt treatment is crucial: atropine to reduce muscarinic effects, and pralidoxime to reactivate acetylcholinesterase if given early enough, along with decontamination and supportive care. They differ from blood agents (which disrupt cellular respiration), blister agents (which damage skin and mucous membranes), and choking agents (which irritate the lungs) because their defining action is inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and causing a cholinergic crisis.