Which of the following are signs and symptoms of exposure to a nerve agent at a hazmat or suspected terrorism incident?

• A. Loss of control of limbs and nausea
• B. Loss of bladder control and vomiting
• C. Excessive sweating and headache
• D. Severe respiratory issues and skin irritation

Answer: (B)

Loss of bladder control and vomiting are indeed signs and symptoms associated with exposure to nerve agents. Nerve agents, which are highly toxic chemicals, interfere with the normal functioning of the nervous system. This interference can lead to a range of physical reactions, including loss of bladder control due to the overstimulation of the autonomic nervous system. Additionally, gastrointestinal distress often results in nausea and vomiting. These symptoms occur because the nerve agent causes an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synapses, prompting excessive signaling in both the muscular and gastrointestinal systems.

The other options may describe symptoms related to other types of chemical exposures but are not specifically characteristic of nerve agent poisoning. For example, loss of control of limbs and nausea might be indicative of various health issues, while excessive sweating and headache can occur due to numerous factors, not solely nerve agents. Severe respiratory issues and skin irritation might relate to chemical exposures, but not necessarily to the specific category of nerve agents, which have distinct patterns of symptoms.