A man was brought to the emergency after suddenly becoming unconscious while working in the field. On examination, his temperature was 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and his skin turgor was decreased. Which of the following would not be seen in the patient?

Options

  1. Tachypnea
  2. Hypotension
  3. Sweating
  4. Red hot skin

Correct Answer

Sweating

Explanation

This patient has heat stroke, which presents in two forms: 1) Classic/non-exertional heat stroke (elderly, during heat waves), 2) Exertional heat stroke (young, during physical activity). Key features: core temperature >40°C (104°F), CNS dysfunction, ABSENCE of sweating (anhidrosis) - this distinguishes it from heat exhaustion. Present findings: hot dry skin, tachypnea (respiratory compensation), hypotension (vasodilation and fluid loss), altered mental status. The cessation of sweating indicates failure of thermoregulation and is a hallmark of heat stroke. Management: immediate cooling is critical.

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