A 66-year-old homeless man is brought to the hospital after he is found wandering the streets during a cold winter day. The patient appears confused and has slurred speech. He has no chronic medical conditions and takes no medications. On examination, his temperature is 32 C (89.6 F). Cardiopulmonary examination is normal. No focal neurologic deficits are present. Toxicology screen is negative for any substances. Which of the following physiologic adaptations is most likely occurring in this patient to help maintain homeostasis?

Question

A 66-year-old homeless man is brought to the hospital after he is found wandering the streets during a cold winter day.  The patient appears confused and has slurred speech.  He has no chronic medical conditions and takes no medications.  On examination, his temperature is 32 C (89.6 F).  Cardiopulmonary examination is normal.  No focal neurologic deficits are present.  Toxicology screen is negative for any substances.  Which of the following physiologic adaptations is most likely occurring in this patient to help maintain homeostasis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The hypothalamus controls thermoregulation by promoting alterations in the autonomic nervous system and the adrenal and thyroid axes.  Physiologic adaptations in response to hypothermia include increased sympathetic activity and thyroid hormone release, shivering, and peripheral vasoconstriction.  These actions normalize body temperature by reducing heat loss and increasing metabolic rate (promoting thermogenesis)

A 66-Year-Old Homeless Man Is Brought to the Hospital After