Practice question

Which is NOT a sign of hypothermia?

  1. Slurred speech
  2. Abnormally slow breathing
  3. Confusion or memory loss
  4. Dilated pupils

Answer: D — Dilated pupils

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a drop in core body temperature. This condition can manifest various symptoms that indicate a deterioration of bodily functions. Signs of hypothermia include slurred speech due to slowed neurological function, abnormally slow breathing as the body begins to conserve energy, and confusion or memory loss caused by impaired cognitive function as the body’s systems start to shut down. Dilated pupils are not typically associated with hypothermia. Instead, they may indicate other conditions, such as the influence of certain drugs or a neurological crisis. When the body is cold, reactions often include constriction of blood vessels, which generally leads to constricted pupils rather than dilated ones. Thus, recognizing the signs of hypothermia focuses on body temperature regulation issues, while dilated pupils do not fit into that category.

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