ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which of the following is a symptom of heat exhaustion?

1. High body temperature greater than 105 F

2. Dry, red skin

3. Profuse sweating and lightheadedness

4. Seizures and coma

The correct answer is: Profuse sweating and lightheadedness

Profuse sweating and lightheadedness are significant symptoms associated with heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salts, usually through sweating, which is the body's primary mechanism for regulating temperature. As a result, individuals may experience a combination of heavy sweating, weakness, fatigue, headache, and dizziness or lightheadedness. In contrast, high body temperature above 105 F and symptoms like dry, red skin are more characteristic of heat stroke, a more severe condition that can occur when heat exhaustion is not addressed. Seizures and coma also indicate heat stroke or other medical emergencies, representing outcomes when body temperature regulation fails entirely. Understanding the symptoms of heat exhaustion is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of progression to more serious heat-related illnesses.