ACCS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Preparation Guide

The correct choice is related to the nature of neuromuscular blocking agents and their primary effects on muscle types. Neuromuscular blocking agents specifically target skeletal muscles by interrupting the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction. This action leads to muscle paralysis, particularly affecting voluntary skeletal muscles that are responsible for movement.

The intercostal muscles and diaphragm, although essential for respiration and considered as striated skeletal muscles, are indirectly affected since they are part of the skeletal muscle group. However, focusing specifically on the correct answer, it is essential to recognize that neuromuscular blockers are primarily utilized to induce relaxation of skeletal muscles during surgical procedures or mechanical ventilation.

Cardiac muscle, on the other hand, functions differently; it is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and is not influenced by neuromuscular blockers, which specifically target the somatic nervous system affecting only skeletal muscles. In summary, the primary action of neuromuscular blocking agents is on skeletal muscles, including important muscles such as the diaphragm and intercostals, which are crucial for respiration, but are ultimately classified under the broader category of skeletal muscle dynamics.