In cases of hypothermia, which clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate observing?

In cases of hypothermia, the body experiences a significant drop in temperature, leading to various physiological and neurological responses. Stupor, which refers to a state of reduced consciousness, and paresthesia, characterized by abnormal sensations such as tingling or prickling, are indeed expected clinical manifestations. As the body temperature decreases, the metabolic processes slow down, which can result in confusion and altered mental status manifesting as stupor. Paresthesia may occur due to reduced blood flow and nerve function in the extremities, highlighting the impact of cold on the nervous system.

The other options describe conditions that do not align with the body's response to hypothermia. Fever and sweating are typically associated with hyperthermic conditions rather than hypothermia, while hyperactivity and tremors might occur in mild cases of cold exposure but are not consistent with the progression of hypothermia, where shivering can eventually stop as the body temperature continues to fall. Similarly, dry skin and elevated heart rate usually do not occur in hypothermia, as the skin often becomes cold and clammy, and heart rates typically decrease as the body struggles to conserve heat.