Which sign is typical of early-stage hypothermia?

• A. Shivering with rapid breathing and a strong pulse
• B. No breathing
• C. Extreme fever
• D. Nasal congestion

Answer: (A)

Shivering is the body's main way to generate heat when exposed to cold, so it’s a hallmark of early hypothermia. When someone first becomes hypothermic, the body triggers sympathetic activity that increases respiration and keeps the heart rate strong, so you often see rapid breathing and a strong, palpable pulse along with persistent shivering. These signs point to the initial stage where the person is trying to stay warm and maintain circulation.

The other options don’t fit early hypothermia well. No breathing would indicate respiratory failure or a more severe progression, not the early stage. Extreme fever is the opposite of hypothermia, representing heat illness. Nasal congestion isn’t a temperature-related sign and doesn’t reflect the body’s response to cold exposure.