Nerve agents are highly toxic and can cause rapid cardiac arrest. Which substances are classic examples?

• A. Highly toxic agents that can cause cardiac arrest in seconds, such as sarin and VX.
• B. Agents that primarily affect skin blisters.
• C. Agents that cause dehydration through sweating.
• D. Agents used to seal wounds.

Answer: (A)

Nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphate chemicals that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine to accumulate and overactivate both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. This leads to a rapid, life-threatening cascade with airway secretions and bronchospasm, bradycardia, hypotension, seizures, and potential cardiac arrest. Sarin and VX are classic examples because of their extreme potency and fast onset, which fits the scenario of rapid cardiac arrest after exposure. The other options point to different toxin classes or effects (blister-causing agents, dehydration from sweating, or unrelated sealant uses) and do not describe nerve agents. Thus, naming sarin and VX as examples best matches the question.