You are attending to survivors after abandoning ship. Several of the personnel have a slow pulse and slow breathing rates. Which of the following is the most probable cause of these conditions?
• Effects of cold exposure on vital signs (hypothermia) • Typical vital signs seen in shock • How dehydration usually presents (skin, mental status, pulse)
• When a person’s body core temperature drops, what generally happens to pulse and breathing rate as hypothermia becomes more serious? • In classic shock, are pulse and breathing more likely to be fast or slow? • Would mild vs. moderate cold exposure have a stronger effect on slowing body functions like heart rate and breathing?
• Compare which choice is most associated with slowed (not increased) pulse and respirations • Think about how severe the cold exposure would need to be after abandoning ship in the water or a raft • Eliminate any option where you’d expect a rapid pulse or obvious thirst as key signs
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