The patient comes to the emergency department after having been in the sun for an extended period. The nurse also determines that the patient is taking a diuretic. Heatstroke is suspected. For which of the following does the nurse observe?
a. Diaphoresis
b. Confusion
c. Temperature of 36ºC
d. Decreased heart rate
B
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A The most important sign of heatstroke is hot, dry skin, not diaphoresis. Victims of heatstroke do not sweat because of severe electrolyte loss and hypothalamic malfunction.
B Confusion is a symptom of heatstroke, along with delirium, nausea, muscle cramps, visual disturbances, giddiness, and even incontinence, as well as hot, dry skin.
C A normal temperature is between 36ºC to 38ºC. With heatstroke, the patient's body temperature may reach as high as 45ºC.
D The heart rate is increased with heatstroke, not decreased.
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