Abrin and Ricin exposure signs include fever, cough, and dyspnea. Which is a sign of exposure?

• A. Cough
• B. Rash
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Joint pain

Answer: (A)

Exposure to abrin and ricin by inhalation typically causes respiratory symptoms such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. A cough is a direct sign that the airways are irritated by the toxin, making it the best indicator among the options. The other possibilities are less typical for acute inhalational ricin/abrin exposure: a rash suggests skin involvement or a different reaction, hearing loss is not a common early sign, and joint pain is not characteristic of these toxins.