What are common cholinergic symptoms of organophosphate poisoning?

• A. Tachycardia and dry mouth.
• B. SLUDGE (salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI upset, emesis), miosis, bradycardia, bronchorrhea.
• C. Severe hypertension and sweating.
• D. Hyperglycemia and polyuria.

Answer: (B)

Organophosphate poisoning causes an excess of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, leading to a classic cholinergic crisis. The hallmark is increased secretions and smooth-muscle activity driven by muscarinic stimulation. That shows up as SLUDGE—salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI upset, and emesis—along with pupil constriction (miosis) and a slow heart rate (bradycardia). Bronchial secretions (bronchorrhea) can also occur, making breathing difficult. This combination is the best fit for common cholinergic symptoms caused by organophosphates. Other options mix symptoms that aren’t characteristic of this cholinergic overactivity: tachycardia or dry mouth aren’t typical in this scenario, severe hypertension with sweating isn’t the classic pattern, and hyperglycemia with polyuria isn’t a defining sign of acute cholinergic excess.