Which statements regarding nerve agents are true?

• A. Statement 1 is false; statements 2 and 3 are true.
• B. Statements 1 and 2 are true; statement 3 is false.
• C. Statements 1 and 3 are true; statement 2 is false.
• D. All three statements are true.

Answer: (B)

Nerve agents are extremely potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. They cause an overwhelming increase in acetylcholine at nerve endings, which leads to widespread stimulation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. That underlying mechanism explains why statements about their action, common signs, and standard treatment tend to be true, while any claim that contradicts this mechanism or the established antidotes would be false.

Two statements about nerve agents would align with this established understanding: they inhibit acetylcholinesterase and produce rapid cholinergic effects, and there is a recognized antidote strategy that includes atropine to block muscarinic receptors and pralidoxime to reactivate acetylcholinesterase. A third statement that conflicts with these facts—such as claiming there is no effective antidote, or that they don't inhibit acetylcholinesterase—would be false.

So, the correct option is the one that identifies the first two statements as true and the third as false, because it reflects the well-supported mechanism, clinical presentation, and standard management of nerve agent exposure.