Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Terrorism, Mass Casualty, and Disaster Nursing Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Terrorism, Mass Casualty, and Disaster Nursing related questions and content

A patient has been exposed to a nerve agent in a biochemical terrorist attack. This type of agent bonds with acetylcholinesterase, so that acetylcholine is not inactivated. What is the pathologic effect of this type of agent?

  • A. Hyperstimulation of the nerve endings
  • B. Temporary deactivation of the nerve endings
  • C. Binding of the nerve endings
  • D. Destruction of the nerve endings
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nerve agents cause continuous nerve hyperstimulation by preventing acetylcholine breakdown. Deactivation, binding, or destruction do not occur.