Heat exhaustion is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Pale and clammy skin; rapid and weak pulse; core body temp less than 104; still able to sweat.
• B. Dry skin and no sweating with high fever.
• C. Confusion and fainting during activity.
• D. Severe dehydration requiring medical attention.

Answer: (A)

Heat exhaustion happens when the body has been exposed to heat for a while and is dehydrated, but its cooling mechanisms are still somewhat functioning. The hallmark signs include pale, clammy skin; a rapid but weak pulse; and a core body temperature that is elevated but typically below 104°F, with sweating still present. This combination—cool, pale skin and sweating along with a fast but weak pulse and a temperature under 104°F—fits heat exhaustion best.

In contrast, heat stroke shows dry, hot skin with little or no sweating and a temperature often well above 104°F, usually with confusion or fainting—conditions not described by heat exhaustion. The other option mentioning severe dehydration points to dehydration itself but doesn’t capture the specific sweating pattern and temperature range that distinguish heat exhaustion.