Which of the following is NOT a sign of hypothermia?

In the context of hypothermia, understanding the physiological responses of the body to cold exposure is crucial. The correct answer highlights that a rapid heartbeat is not a typical sign of hypothermia. When a person is experiencing hypothermia, the body's core temperature drops significantly, leading to various systemic reactions.

As the body cools down, it tries to conserve heat by reducing blood flow to the extremities and slowing metabolism, which generally results in slower heart rates rather than an increase in heart rate. Signs of hypothermia commonly include slow, shallow breathing, slurred speech, and shivering—each reflective of the body’s attempts to cope with the drop in temperature.

Shivering is the body’s natural response to generate heat through muscle activity, while slurred speech can indicate cognitive impairment as the body struggles to maintain its normal functions. Slow, shallow breathing is also characteristic as the metabolism decreases. Thus, recognizing that a rapid heartbeat does not align with these physiological responses confirms why this is the correct choice regarding signs of hypothermia.