Severe hypothermia presents with which signs?

• A. Shivering, Alert
• B. Sweating, Weakness, Nausea
• C. Hot Dry Skin, Altered Mental Status
• D. Unconscious, Bradycardia

Answer: (D)

Severe hypothermia depresses the brain and heart so profoundly that consciousness can be lost and the heart rate becomes very slow. As temperature drops further, shivering often ceases and mental status deteriorates; unconsciousness with a markedly slowed pulse is a hallmark late-stage finding. This combination—unconsciousness paired with bradycardia—best reflects the deepest level of cold exposure and the need for careful, controlled rewarming.

Other options point to different states. Shivering with alertness is typical of mild hypothermia when the body still actively generates heat. Sweating and nausea suggest heat-related illnesses or other conditions, not severe cold injury. Hot, dry skin with altered mental status is characteristic of heat stroke, not hypothermia.