Which of the following indicates heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body overheats, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous exercise in a hot environment. One of the primary indicators of heat stroke is hot, red, and dry skin. This occurs because the body's temperature regulation system has failed, and sweating—a natural cooling mechanism—ceases. As a result, the skin becomes flushed and lacks moisture.

In heat stroke, the body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), which can lead to significant organ damage or even death if not treated promptly. The absence of sweating, in contrast to other heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, helps differentiate heat stroke from conditions like heat cramps or heat exhaustion, both of which typically present with cool, clammy skin.

The other options, while they can indicate heat-related conditions, do not specifically characterize heat stroke: cool, sweaty skin aligns more with heat exhaustion; muscle cramps can occur due to electrolyte imbalances often associated with dehydration; and weakness can be a symptom of various conditions, including both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing and responding to heat-related emergencies effectively.