Which of the following is a sign of severe hypothermia?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sign of severe hypothermia?

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.

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