A patient has been exposed to prolonged high environmental temperatures and now shows signs of dehydration, decreased plasma volumes, hypotension, decreased cardiac output, and tachycardia. What treatment does the healthcare professional prepare to administer to this patient?
A)Administer salty beverages to the patient.
B)Aggressive cooling methods to rapidly lower temperature
C)Encourage the patient to have genetic testing after recovery.
D)Give the patient plenty of cool fluids to drink.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Of the options presented, only heat exhaustion, or collapse, is a result of prolonged high core or environmental temperatures resulting in dehydration, decreased plasma volumes, hypotension, decreased cardiac output, and tachycardia. Replacing salt (sodium) losses is the main treatment for heat cramps. Aggressive cooling methods would be undertaken in heat stroke, although temperature should not be lowered too rapidly. Genetic testing would be appropriate for a patient with malignant hyperthermia.

A Patient Has Been Exposed to Prolonged High Environmental Temperatures