Question 1614 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) increased pulse and increased breathing rate. In mild hypothermia, the body's initial response is to try to generate more heat by increasing the heart rate and breathing rate. This is the body's way of trying to maintain its core temperature. As hypothermia progresses, the pulse and breathing rate will eventually decrease as the body starts to shut down non-essential functions. So in the early stages of hypothermia, increased pulse and breathing rate are the typical symptoms. The other options are incorrect because A) decreased pulse and increased breathing rate is a symptom of moderate to severe hypothermia, C) increased pulse and signs of drowsiness is a symptom of more advanced hypothermia, and D) decreased pulse and signs of drowsiness is also a symptom of moderate to severe hypothermia.