In Buddy Aid for severe nerve agent poisoning, which antidotes are administered?

• A. Administering ATANA only
• B. Administering CANA only
• C. Administering both ATANA and CANA
• D. No antidotes

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that severe nerve agent poisoning needs to counter both the muscarinic effects and the enzyme inhibition at the same time. Nerve agents shut down acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine to flood receptors. One antidote (ATANA) acts quickly to block muscarinic receptors, which relieves life-threatening secretions, bronchospasm, and other muscarinic symptoms. The other antidote (CANA) reactivates acetylcholinesterase, reversing both muscarinic and nicotinic effects and helping restore muscle strength and breathing. Administering both ATANA and CANA tackles the immediate danger and addresses the underlying enzyme inhibition, giving the best chance at stabilization. Using only one leaves important symptoms or the root problem unaddressed, so the combination is the correct approach.