Which of the following is an effect of cholinergic agonists as indicated by SLUDGE?

• A. Paresthesia
• B. Urination
• C. Itching
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (B)

The correct answer, which is urination, is linked to the effects of cholinergic agonists as indicated by the mnemonic SLUDGE. SLUDGE stands for Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal distress, and Emesis. This mnemonic highlights the various physiological effects that occur due to increased acetylcholine activity at muscarinic receptors, which cholinergic agonists promote.

Cholinergic agonists stimulate bladder contraction and enhance urination by increasing bladder tone and promoting the release of urinary output. This effect is particularly relevant in conditions such as urinary retention, where cholinergic drugs may be utilized therapeutically to facilitate the process of urination. Understanding this relationship helps healthcare providers anticipate and manage the outcomes of medications that affect the cholinergic system.

The other options listed do not directly reflect the core effects associated with SLUDGE. For example, while hypotension can occur as a side effect of certain cholinergic agents due to vasodilation, it is not specifically captured in the SLUDGE mnemonic, which is focused on secretory and eliminatory functions. Paresthesia and itching are not typical effects of cholinergic agonism either, emphasizing the importance of associating these drugs with their characteristic