A person experiencing heat stroke may exhibit which of the following symptoms?

A person experiencing heat stroke typically presents with an altered mental state, which may include confusion, agitation, or even unconsciousness. This symptom arises because heat stroke can cause damage to the brain due to elevated body temperatures, typically exceeding 104°F (40°C). The body's thermoregulation becomes severely impaired, leading to this critical condition.

In heat stroke, the body is unable to cool itself, and neurological symptoms become a significant indicator of the severity of the situation. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as the altered mental state signals a serious threat to life, requiring prompt intervention to cool the person down and prevent further complications.

Other symptoms of heat-related illnesses, like excessive sweating, are more associated with heat exhaustion rather than heat stroke, where sweating may actually stop due to the body's failure to regulate temperature. The body temperature in heat stroke is elevated, which is in contrast to low body temperature and slow, shallow breathing, symptoms that do not typically align with heat stroke. Recognizing altered mental state as a key symptom can help in distinguishing heat stroke from other conditions and in understanding the urgency of the situation.