What immediate care is recommended for a patient exposed to nerve agents?

The immediate care recommended for a patient exposed to nerve agents is the administration of atropine to counteract the effects. Nerve agents inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the nervous system, which causes overstimulation of muscles and glands. Atropine works as an antagonist to acetylcholine receptors, effectively reducing the harmful effects of excessive stimulation, such as respiratory distress and organophosphate poisoning symptoms.

Administering atropine helps to alleviate symptoms quickly and is a critical first step in managing nerve agent exposure. It's important to recognize that while hospitalization and detoxification are crucial for comprehensive treatment, they are not the immediate interventions required at the moment of exposure. The use of activated charcoal is typically reserved for other types of toxin ingestion, not for acute chemical warfare agents. Oxygen therapy can be supportive in cases of respiratory failure; however, it does not directly address the primary toxic effects of nerve agents.