Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Heat stroke physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A detailed physical examination should be performed in case of a suspicion of heat stroke. The physical examination of a patient with heat stroke may yield a disoriented, comatozed individual with fever, hypotension, skin rash, skin burn, tachycardia, muscle spasms or pain and hyperventilation.[1]
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
The physical examination of a patient with heat stroke may yield the following findings:[1][2][3]
General Appearance
- Disoriented
- Tired appearance
Vital Signs
- Fever (40-47 C)
- Hypotension
Cardiovascular System
Central Nervous System
- Impaired judgment
- Delirium
- Coma
- Seizures
- Poor coordination
Musculoskeletal System
Respiratory System
Dermatological
- Decreased skin turgor
- Skin rash
- Sun burn
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tek D, Olshaker JS (1992). “Heat illness”. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 10 (2): 299–310. PMID 1559470.
- ↑ Leon LR, Bouchama A (2015). “Heat stroke”. Compr Physiol. 5 (2): 611–47. doi:10.1002/cphy.c140017. PMID 25880507.
- ↑ Druyan A, Amit D, Janovich R, Ran Y, Heled Y, Yuval H (2011). “Misdiagnosis of exertional heat stroke and improper medical treatment”. Mil Med. 176 (11): 1278–80. PMID 22165656.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]