First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

What is a common effect of severe hypothermia on vital signs?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Decreased heart rate

3. Elevated blood pressure

4. Increased respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Decreased heart rate

Severe hypothermia typically leads to a decreased heart rate, a condition known as bradycardia. As the body's core temperature drops, metabolic functions slow down, including heart function. This reduction in temperature affects the heart's electrical conduction system, resulting in a lower heart rate. In extreme cases of hypothermia, the heart may even enter into a state of arrhythmia due to the stress of the cold on the cardiovascular system. In contrast, each of the other options does not accurately represent the physiological response to severe hypothermia. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure are more common in situations where the body is under stress or experiencing heightened metabolic demands, such as in hyperthermia or in response to an acute physiological event. Similarly, an increased respiratory rate may occur with different conditions like panic or infection but does not typically occur with severe hypothermia, where respiratory function is generally suppressed and irregular, reflecting the overall slowdown in bodily processes.