Which of the following is a sign of severe hypothermia?

Prepare for the NREMT Advanced-EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sign of severe hypothermia?

Explanation:
Severe hypothermia slows the brain’s function, so a person often becomes confused, drowsy, or even unresponsive as core temperature falls. Altered mental status is a hallmark sign of severe hypothermia, making it the best choice here. By contrast, increased energy is inconsistent because cooling typically dulls cognition; warm extremities are unlikely since the skin tends to be cold or stiff in hypothermia; and a rapid heart rate is more associated with early stages, while severe hypothermia usually leads to bradycardia as the body’s metabolism slows.

Severe hypothermia slows the brain’s function, so a person often becomes confused, drowsy, or even unresponsive as core temperature falls. Altered mental status is a hallmark sign of severe hypothermia, making it the best choice here. By contrast, increased energy is inconsistent because cooling typically dulls cognition; warm extremities are unlikely since the skin tends to be cold or stiff in hypothermia; and a rapid heart rate is more associated with early stages, while severe hypothermia usually leads to bradycardia as the body’s metabolism slows.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy