A nurse should assess soldiers who might have been exposed to nerve gas agents for which symptoms?

When assessing soldiers who may have been exposed to nerve gas agents, it is essential to recognize that these agents disrupt normal neurological function by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, which excessively stimulates the nervous system.

The correct choice highlights symptoms such as convulsions and loss of consciousness which are indicative of severe neurotoxicity. Exposure to nerve agents can result in extreme neurological manifestations: convulsions reflect the over-activity of the central nervous system and may escalate to loss of consciousness due to overwhelming stimulation. These symptoms can escalate rapidly and require immediate medical intervention.

Other possible symptoms from nerve gas exposure can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as they can generally occur as physiological responses to the stress of the situation. However, convulsions and loss of consciousness signify a more critical level of toxicity and are pivotal symptoms indicating the need for urgent treatment. Constipation might also be observed in some conditions but is not associated with nerve agent exposure and does not reflect the acute effects of these toxic substances on the nervous system.