What is a common sign of cyanide toxicity during nitroprusside administration?

During nitroprusside administration, a common sign of cyanide toxicity is absent reflexes. Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that is often used in emergency situations to rapidly lower blood pressure. However, it can release cyanide ions in the body, especially in cases of overdose or prolonged use. Cyanide interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen at a cellular level, leading to neurological effects that can manifest as absent or diminished reflexes. This is due to the toxicity affecting the nervous system, resulting in impaired neural function, which can be identified through reduced reflex actions.

The other options do not correlate with the typical effects of cyanide toxicity. Increased hair growth is not a recognized symptom and is unrelated to the acute effects of cyanide. Pupil constriction is typically associated with opioids or other substances that stimulate parasympathetic activity, rather than cyanide toxicity. Chest pain, while potentially a consequence of severe hypoxemia or stress on the heart, is not a specific sign of cyanide toxicity linked to nitroprusside administration.