Heat stroke physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]
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.
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