Which stage of hypothermia presents with shivering and alertness?

• A. Moderate Hypothermia
• B. Afterdrop
• C. Mild Hypothermia
• D. Exertional Heat Stroke

Answer: (C)

Shivering with alertness marks the early, mild stage of hypothermia. When core temperature falls into the mild range, the body’s main heat-producing mechanism—shivering—is still active, and brain function is largely preserved, so the person remains awake and responsive. This stage typically involves visible tremors and normal or only mildly altered mental status, reflecting that heat production is ongoing and the brain is still functioning fairly well. As temperatures drop further into the moderate range, shivering often diminishes or stops and mental status becomes more impaired, signaling progression to a more severe stage. Exertional heat stroke is a heat-related illness with very high body temperature and CNS dysfunction, not a hypothermia stage. Afterdrop is a cooling phenomenon seen during rewarming, not a stage defined by shivering and alertness.