AEMCA Practice Exam

What assumption should be made regarding core body temperature if shivering is absent with altered consciousness?

1. Above 32 degrees

2. Below 32 degrees

3. Normal range

4. Above 38 degrees

The correct answer is: Below 32 degrees

When shivering is absent in the context of altered consciousness, it typically indicates a significant decrease in core body temperature. Shivering is a physiological response that helps to generate heat and maintain body temperature when it falls below normal levels. Therefore, the absence of shivering suggests that the body's mechanisms for temperature regulation may be impaired due to hypothermia. In this scenario, a core body temperature below 32 degrees Celsius is a plausible assumption. This threshold signifies a critically low body temperature, often leading to severe consequences, including altered mental status. The absence of shivering in such circumstances aligns with the physiological response to extreme hypothermia, where the body has become so cold that it can no longer generate heat effectively. A core body temperature above 32 degrees would generally still elicit some shivering response, suggesting the body is attempting to compensate for the cold. Likewise, a normal range of temperature would not correspond with altered consciousness accompanied by the absence of shivering. Lastly, a temperature above 38 degrees would indicate fever or hyperthermia, which is not consistent with the context provided.