Which signs may be present in exertional heat stroke aside from CNS dysfunction?

• A. Dehydration, hot and wet skin, hypotension, and hyperventilation
• B. Dry, leathery skin with no sweating
• C. Hypothermia and bradycardia
• D. Normal skin temperature with normal vitals

Answer: (A)

Exertional heat stroke is marked by CNS dysfunction plus systemic heat-related signs. Beyond the altered mental status, you often see dehydration from heavy sweating, skin that is hot and moist, low blood pressure from volume loss, and rapid breathing as the body tries to cope with heat and metabolic strain. The other patterns don’t fit this scenario: dry, leathery skin with no sweating suggests a different heat illness or severe dehydration, hypothermia and bradycardia run counter to the fever and tachycardia typically seen, and normal skin temperature with normal vitals would not reflect the expected heat-related physiology.