Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the FEMA Standardized Awareness Test. Access a comprehensive set of questions, flashcards, and study materials to enhance your knowledge and readiness. Equip yourself with confidence to pass the test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which of the following is an example of a nerve agent?

Chlorine
Tabun
Formaldehyde
Ammonia

The correct answer is: Tabun

Tabun is indeed an example of a nerve agent, and it falls under the category of chemical warfare agents known for their extreme toxicity. Nerve agents disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for breaking down acetylcholine. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, resulting in overstimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system, which can be fatal. In contrast, the other substances listed serve different purposes and functions. Chlorine, for example, is a widely used disinfectant and can be toxic in high concentrations, but it does not have the same mechanism of action as a nerve agent. Formaldehyde, commonly used in the production of many household products and as a preservative, does not act as a nerve agent either. Similarly, ammonia is primarily utilized in agriculture and cleaning, and while it is hazardous, it does not interact with the nervous system in the same way nerve agents like Tabun do. Thus, Tabun stands out as the correct example of a nerve agent among the options provided.