Which symptom is commonly observed in mild hypothermia?

Which symptom is commonly observed in mild hypothermia?

• A. Profuse sweating
• B. Vigorous shivering
• C. Narcolepsy
• D. Rapid weight loss

Answer: (B)

Shivering is the body's primary defense to generate heat when the core temperature drops. In mild hypothermia, the brain signals the muscles to contract rapidly, producing warmth, so vigorous shivering is a common and reliable sign. This active heat production stands in contrast to the other options: profuse sweating would point to overheating or fever, narcolepsy is a sleep disorder unrelated to temperature regulation, and rapid weight loss isn’t an immediate symptom of mild hypothermia. So vigorous shivering best matches the mild stage of hypothermia.

Shivering is the body's primary defense to generate heat when the core temperature drops. In mild hypothermia, the brain signals the muscles to contract rapidly, producing warmth, so vigorous shivering is a common and reliable sign. This active heat production stands in contrast to the other options: profuse sweating would point to overheating or fever, narcolepsy is a sleep disorder unrelated to temperature regulation, and rapid weight loss isn’t an immediate symptom of mild hypothermia. So vigorous shivering best matches the mild stage of hypothermia.