A patient aged 24 years is said to have ‘severe hypothermia’ requiring intensive care management, if his core body temperature is- (J&K 05)
**Core Concept**
Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency characterized by a core body temperature below 28°C (82.4°F), leading to impaired physiological functions and increased risk of mortality.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In severe hypothermia, the body's ability to maintain normal cellular functions is severely compromised. The hypothalamus, responsible for regulating body temperature, is unable to respond to cold stress, and the body's metabolic rate decreases significantly. This leads to impaired cardiac function, reduced blood pressure, and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. The patient's core body temperature is a critical indicator of the severity of hypothermia, with temperatures below 28°C indicating severe hypothermia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A core body temperature of 25°C is considered moderate hypothermia, not severe.
**Option B:** A temperature of 32°C is near-normal and does not indicate hypothermia.
**Option C:** A temperature of 30°C is considered mild hypothermia, not severe.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In severe hypothermia, rewarming the patient too quickly can lead to a condition known as "rewarming shock," characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure and cardiac output.
**Correct Answer: D. 32°C**