OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewHealth Hazards in ConstructionMedium
A construction worker working outdoors on a hot, humid day begins to experience confusion, slurred speech, and hot, dry skin. The worker's body temperature is elevated. Which heat-related illness do these symptoms most strongly suggest?
- AHeat stroke
- BHeat cramps
- CHeat exhaustion
- DRhabdomyolysis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Heat stroke
Confusion, slurred speech, and hot, dry skin (indicating a cessation of sweating) are classic and severe symptoms of heat stroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Elevated body temperature is also a critical indicator. Heat stroke represents the failure of the body's temperature regulation system.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Heat cramps involve painful muscle spasms but typically do not include neurological symptoms or hot, dry skin.
- C. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea, but usually not confusion, slurred speech, or hot, dry skin.
- D. Rhabdomyolysis is a muscle condition that can be caused by severe heat stress but is not an immediate heat-related illness with these specific neurological symptoms.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness, characterized by a dangerously elevated body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction, such as confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
- Life-threatening medical emergency.
- Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, seizures.
- Hot, dry skin (or sometimes profuse sweating), high body temperature.
Memory trick: Hot, Dry, Confused? Stroke! (Not just exhaustion's snooze).