ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT typically a sign of heat stroke?

1. Dry, red skin

2. Altered level of consciousness

3. Profuse sweating

4. Potential seizures

The correct answer is: Profuse sweating

When evaluating the signs of heat stroke, it's important to recognize the physiological responses the body exhibits when overheated. Heat stroke is a severe condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature, leading to extreme hyperthermia. One hallmark of heat stroke is dry, red skin, which indicates the body's failure to sweat effectively to cool itself down. This contrasts with heat exhaustion, where excessive sweating is prevalent. An altered level of consciousness can occur due to the impact of overheating on the brain, leading to confusion or unconsciousness. In severe cases, the body may also experience neurological symptoms such as seizures, which are related to the extreme stress and potential damage from elevated body temperature. In the context of heat stroke, profuse sweating is not a typical sign, as the condition often leads to an inability to sweat. Therefore, the presence of excessive sweating would more likely suggest heat exhaustion rather than heat stroke, making it the correct choice for what is not typically associated with heat stroke.