Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is the likely medical condition indicated by unconsciousness, hot, dry skin, and vital signs showing a low systolic blood pressure and high pulse rate?

1. Heat stroke

2. Reflex hypothermia

3. Cerebral vascular accident

4. Hyperthermia

The correct answer is: Heat stroke

The combination of unconsciousness, hot, dry skin, low systolic blood pressure, and a high pulse rate strongly suggests heat stroke. In this condition, the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures or strenuous exercise in hot weather. This results in a significant increase in body temperature, leading to neurological dysfunction (unconsciousness), and as the body loses its ability to sweat, the skin typically becomes hot and dry. The vital signs reflect the body’s stress response: the high pulse rate indicates that the heart is working harder to maintain circulation due to lower blood volume (as evidenced by low systolic blood pressure), which can occur when fluid losses are significant due to dehydration or excessive sweating. Reflex hypothermia, cerebral vascular accidents, and hyperthermia, while they may have overlapping symptoms, do not specifically match the full range of signs presented. Reflex hypothermia typically involves cold exposure, which would lead to shivering and clammy skin rather than hot, dry skin. A cerebral vascular accident could lead to altered consciousness but would not cause hot, dry skin. Hyperthermia, though related to elevated body temperature, is a broader category that doesn't specifically encompass the state of unconsciousness and