Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

What does the acronym SLUDGEM stand for in relation to nerve agent symptoms?

1. Severe limb and urinary distress, gastric emergency, miosis

2. Salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastric distress, emesis, miosis

3. Sensitivity, lethargy, urinary dysfunction, gastrointestinal distress, muscular spasms

4. Systemic lethargy, upper respiratory distress, gastrointestinal distress, emotional changes, miosis

The correct answer is: Salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastric distress, emesis, miosis

The acronym SLUDGEM is a mnemonic device used in the context of nerve agents to summarize the key symptoms associated with exposure to such toxic substances. This particular answer captures the critical symptoms that are typically indicative of nerve agent poisoning, each component directly relating to how the body would react to such an exposure. - Salivation refers to excessive secretion of saliva, a common response as the body's autonomic nervous system becomes overstimulated. - Lacrimation describes the production of tears, which also occurs due to the overstimulation of glands. - Urination signifies the involuntary release of urine, a result of disrupted nervous system control over bladder function. - Defecation indicates unintentional bowel movements, again tied to the loss of muscular control. - Gastric distress covers a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as cramping or nausea, stemming from increased glandular activity and impaired muscle control in the digestive tract. - Emesis is the medical term for vomiting, reflecting the nausea often paired with the other gastrointestinal symptoms. - Miosis refers to the constriction of the pupils, a typical sign of nerve agent exposure due to excessive acetylcholine activity affecting the iris muscles. The comprehensive nature of this answer captures the full range of physiological reactions caused by