List common early signs of heat exhaustion that rehab staff should recognize.

• A. Heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, pale/clammy skin, and thirst
• B. Sudden chest pain only
• C. Increased appetite and alertness
• D. Cough and runny nose

Answer: (A)

Recognizing early signs of heat exhaustion comes from understanding how the body responds to heat and fluid loss. When someone has been exposed to heat, sweating tries to cool the body, but significant fluid loss reduces blood volume and can compromise brain and muscle function. The most common early clues are heavy sweating with pale, clammy skin, along with weakness or fatigue and dizziness. A headache often appears as the body struggles to shed heat, and nausea can occur from GI upset. Thirst signals dehydration and the need for fluids. This combination—heavy sweating, pale/clammy skin, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, and thirst—directly reflects the body's early response to heat stress and dehydration, making it the best match for heat exhaustion.

In a rehab setting, these signs guide prompt actions: move the person to a cooler environment, begin lightweight hydration if possible, and monitor vitals closely. If symptoms progress to confusion, fainting, lack of sweating, or very high temperature, treat as a more serious heat illness and seek urgent care. Other listed options don’t fit heat exhaustion—sudden chest pain points to a cardiac issue, increased appetite and alertness don’t align with heat illness, and a cough with runny nose suggests a respiratory infection.