Which feature differentiates heat stroke from heat exhaustion?

Which feature differentiates heat stroke from heat exhaustion?

• A. Skin is dry and warm in heat stroke; cool and clammy in heat exhaustion
• B. Heat stroke always causes sweating
• C. Heat exhaustion presents with dry skin
• D. Heat stroke has sweating

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how the body regulates heat through sweating. In heat exhaustion the body is still able to sweat, so the skin is typically moist and cool or clammy, and the person may feel weak or dizzy from dehydration. In heat stroke, the body’s cooling mechanisms fail and sweating often stops, leaving the skin hot and dry and the person may have confusion or altered mental status. So, the distinguishing feature is presence or absence of sweating. Moist, cool skin points toward heat exhaustion, while dry, hot skin points toward heat stroke. This is why observing skin moisture and the patient’s level of consciousness is most informative for telling these two apart.

The key idea is how the body regulates heat through sweating. In heat exhaustion the body is still able to sweat, so the skin is typically moist and cool or clammy, and the person may feel weak or dizzy from dehydration. In heat stroke, the body’s cooling mechanisms fail and sweating often stops, leaving the skin hot and dry and the person may have confusion or altered mental status.

So, the distinguishing feature is presence or absence of sweating. Moist, cool skin points toward heat exhaustion, while dry, hot skin points toward heat stroke. This is why observing skin moisture and the patient’s level of consciousness is most informative for telling these two apart.