Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The patient's presentation is consistent with heat stroke, a severe form of temperature-related emergency. Heat stroke occurs when the body's thermoregulation system is overwhelmed by excessive heat, leading to a body temperature above 104°F (40°C), central nervous system dysfunction, and absence of sweating (hot, dry skin). It requires immediate cooling and supportive measures. Heat exhaustion, another less severe heat-related illness, typically presents with heavy sweating, weakness, and normal or slightly elevated body temperature. Hyperthermia is a general term for elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation and does not specify the severity. And finally, sunstroke is a non-medical term that can sometimes be used interchangeably with heat stroke, but it is less precise.