Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F), leading to potentially life-threatening situations, especially if untreated. It presents with symptoms such as extreme coldness, altered mental status, weak pulse, and shallow breathing, which are notable in this scenario. Frostbite primarily affects exposed skin and extremities and might not affect core body functions significantly as in this patient’s presentation. Both hyperthermia and heatstroke involve elevated body temperatures and would not occur in freezing conditions.