PBHE 413 Exam 2 (Graded)
Question 1 of 5
20.0/ 20.0 Points
Discuss the differences in clinical presentation between a person who is a victim of a chemical vs. a
biological event.
During triage at a hospital or a disaster scene, it is very important recognize the differences between
chemical and biological events. A chemical attack paralyzes certain nerve transmissions throughout the
body and ca Exam 2
Question 1 of 5
20.0/ 20.0 Points
Discuss the differences in clinical presentation between a person who is a victim of a chemical vs. a
biological event.
During triage at a hospital or a disaster scene, it is very important recognize the differences between
chemical and biological events. A chemical attack paralyzes certain nerve transmissions throughout the
body and causes other toxic effects such as seizures. Depending on weather conditions, nerve agents
which sometimes begin as volatile liquids, in which they can evaporate quickly and be absorbed through
the skin. During exposure to liquids, A small droplet on the skin, for example, may cause local sweating
and muscle twitching, followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and generalized weakness. Even with
decontamination, signs and symptoms may last for hours. In contrast, people with severe liquid
exposures may show no symptoms for as long as 20 minutes and then may rapidly suffer abrupt loss of
consciousness, convulsions, generalized muscular twitching, paralysis, secretions (from the nose, mouth,
lungs), difficulty breathing, and death.
Nerve agents may also cause problems to the upper respiratory tract and produce runny noses, drooling,
and weakness of the tongue and throat muscles. High-pitched, distressed breathing can occur. Nerve
agents produce a variety of signs and symptoms throughout the central nervous system. People may lose
consciousness (sometimes within seconds of exposure) and have seizures. Symptoms such as headache,
dizziness, numbness or tingling, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and emotional instability also have been
reported. Nerve agents also paralyze muscles, with even minimal exposure, victims may complain of
vague weakness or difficulty walking. Whenever chemical nerve agent liquid or vapor penetrates the eye
tissues, this may cause the pupils to contract, causing blurred and dim vision, headaches, redness, tears,
pain, nausea, and vomiting.
In regards to biological agents, they are divided into two categories: pathogens and toxins. Pathogens are
living microorganisms that cause disease in man, animals, or plants. In addition, they produce disease or
infection by entering the body through the lungs, digestive tract, and through breaks in the skin and
mucous membranes of body openings. The human body is unable overcome the pathogens because
they reproduce overcoming the body's natural defenses, causing the disease to replicate.
