Which statement correctly describes heat exhaustion?

Which statement correctly describes heat exhaustion?

• A. Heat stroke presents with profuse sweating
• B. Heat exhaustion presents with profuse sweating and pale skin
• C. Heat exhaustion features hot, flushed skin with no sweating
• D. Heat stroke occurs with low core temperature

Answer: (B)

Recognizing heat-related illness by skin moisture and color helps tell heat exhaustion from heat stroke. Heat exhaustion typically occurs after prolonged heat exposure and dehydration and shows heavy sweating with cool, pale skin. The person often feels weak, dizzy, nauseated, and may have a rapid pulse. In contrast, heat stroke is a medical emergency with a very high body temperature and altered mental status; skin can be hot and either dry or moist, but sweating often ceases. The other statements mix these patterns incorrectly, so the description of heat exhaustion as sweating heavily with pale skin is the best fit.

Recognizing heat-related illness by skin moisture and color helps tell heat exhaustion from heat stroke. Heat exhaustion typically occurs after prolonged heat exposure and dehydration and shows heavy sweating with cool, pale skin. The person often feels weak, dizzy, nauseated, and may have a rapid pulse. In contrast, heat stroke is a medical emergency with a very high body temperature and altered mental status; skin can be hot and either dry or moist, but sweating often ceases. The other statements mix these patterns incorrectly, so the description of heat exhaustion as sweating heavily with pale skin is the best fit.