Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

In a near-drowning scenario, what is the likely diagnosis for a patient with core body temperature of 93.2F and signs of shivering and nausea?

1. Mild hypothermia

2. Acute pulmonary edema

3. Severe hypothermia

4. Deep frostbite

The correct answer is: Mild hypothermia

In a near-drowning scenario, a core body temperature of 93.2°F indicates that the patient is experiencing mild hypothermia. The normal core body temperature is typically around 98.6°F, and mild hypothermia is defined as a body temperature ranging from 93.2°F to 95°F. Symptoms such as shivering and nausea are consistent with this condition, as the body tries to generate heat through shivering while also possibly experiencing gastrointestinal distress due to the stress of cold exposure. Mild hypothermia can manifest with behavior changes, lethargy, and physical signs like shivering, which is an important mechanism that the body employs to increase its temperature. The presence of shivering in this scenario strongly supports the diagnosis of mild hypothermia rather than severe hypothermia, which is characterized by more severe symptoms and typically occurs at lower temperatures. Understanding the mechanisms of hypothermia allows medical personnel to identify and treat patients effectively based on their temperature and accompanying symptoms. In this case, the combination of the core body temperature and the mentioned signs clearly suggests mild hypothermia as the diagnosis.