Which of the following describes typical signs of mild hypothermia (32–35°C/90–95°F)?

• A. Shivering absent, skin rewarming from external heat sources
• B. Shivering, tachycardia, tachypnea, mild confusion, coordinated movement impairment
• C. Severe hypotension and coma
• D. High fever with flushed skin

Answer: (B)

Mild hypothermia (32–35°C) prompts the body's warm-keeping responses. Shivering is the hallmark, as the muscles generate heat. Along with that, the sympathetic system drives an increased heart rate and faster breathing to meet the higher metabolic need. The brain and nerves aren’t functioning perfectly at this temperature, so you may see mild confusion and some loss of coordination. This combination—shivering, tachycardia, tachypnea, mild confusion, and impaired coordinated movement—fits mild hypothermia.

Shivering absent would suggest either a later stage where shivering has diminished or a different condition; severe hypotension and coma point to more severe hypothermia with significant CNS involvement; fever with flushed skin is not hypothermia at all, but a sign of heat illness or infection.