Which symptom best indicates heat stroke?

• A. Excessive sweating
• B. Severe shivering
• C. Hot, dry skin
• D. Pale, cold skin

Answer: (C)

Heat stroke happens when the body's cooling system fails and core temperature climbs very high, often with confusion or altered mental status. The symptom that best signals heat stroke is hot, dry skin. When sweating stops or is absent, the skin no longer cools the body, so it becomes very hot and dry to the touch. This dryness distinguishes heat stroke from other heat-related conditions.

Excessive sweating points more toward heat exhaustion or an early stage of overheating, not full-blown heat stroke. Severe shivering is a sign of cold exposure, not overheating, and pale, cold skin suggests cold injury or shock rather than overheating. If you see hot, dry skin, it’s a medical emergency—seek help immediately and begin cooling and monitoring the person.