A poison that will cause seizures is called a(n):

• A. Irritant
• B. Asphyxiant
• C. Convulsant
• D. Toxin

Answer: (C)

Causing seizures is a specific effect on the nervous system. A poison that produces seizures is called a convulsant. Convulsants act on the brain or nervous system in a way that triggers convulsions, often by altering neural excitation and inhibition to a point that results in seizure activity.

Irritants primarily irritate tissues such as skin, eyes, or the respiratory tract, and do not define seizures as their main effect. Asphyxiants disrupt oxygen delivery or use in the body, leading to hypoxia rather than seizures. A toxin is a broad term for any poisonous substance, but it doesn’t specify the particular effect; the question is asking for the term that describes the seizure-causing effect, which is convulsant.