Heat stroke is defined by which findings?

• A. Hot Dry Skin, Altered Mental Status
• B. Shivering
• C. Muscle Spasms
• D. Sweating, Weakness, Nausea

Answer: (A)

Heat stroke is defined by a very high core temperature accompanied by central nervous system dysfunction, with sweating often absent or minimal. The combination of hot, dry skin and altered mental status reflects that the body's thermoregulatory mechanism has failed and the brain is affected, which is the hallmark of heat stroke.

Shivering is a response to cold and is not characteristic of heat stroke. Muscle spasms (heat cramps) are related to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance but do not involve CNS dysfunction or dry skin. Sweating with weakness and nausea points toward heat exhaustion, where the body is still sweating and CNS symptoms are not as severe.