Which statement best differentiates heat stroke from heat exhaustion based on signs?

Which statement best differentiates heat stroke from heat exhaustion based on signs?

• A. Hot dry skin, constricted pupils, rapid pulse
• B. Clammy skin and dilated pupils
• C. Moist skin with normal pulse
• D. Cold skin with bradycardia

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that heat stroke and heat exhaustion differ by how the body’s cooling system is functioning. In heat stroke, the body's ability to regulate temperature collapses, core temperature climbs above 40°C, and sweating often stops, leaving the skin hot and dry. A rapid pulse accompanies this stress response as the heart works to pump blood and cool the body. This hot, dry skin with a fast pulse is the best indicator of heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion, where sweating continues and the skin tends to be moist and often cooler. The other signs described—clammy or moist skin, or cold skin with a slow pulse—fit heat exhaustion or other conditions, not heat stroke.

The main idea is that heat stroke and heat exhaustion differ by how the body’s cooling system is functioning. In heat stroke, the body's ability to regulate temperature collapses, core temperature climbs above 40°C, and sweating often stops, leaving the skin hot and dry. A rapid pulse accompanies this stress response as the heart works to pump blood and cool the body. This hot, dry skin with a fast pulse is the best indicator of heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion, where sweating continues and the skin tends to be moist and often cooler. The other signs described—clammy or moist skin, or cold skin with a slow pulse—fit heat exhaustion or other conditions, not heat stroke.