Which statement about heat stress is true?

• A. Lack of sweat is a symptom of heat stroke
• B. Excess sweating is a symptom of heat stroke
• C. Heat stroke cannot occur indoors
• D. Heat stress has no effect on older adults

Answer: (A)

Heat stroke occurs when the body's cooling system fails, and the person’s temperature rises rapidly, often with altered mental status. A notable sign is that sweating can stop; the skin may feel hot and dry because the body is no longer producing sweat to help cool itself. So the statement that lack of sweat is a symptom of heat stroke is true, since the absence of sweating reflects the body's impaired ability to regulate temperature during a heat threat.

The other statements don’t fit typical heat-stroke patterns: sweating excessively is not a hallmark of heat stroke and is more typical of earlier heat illness stages or other conditions; heat stroke can occur indoors if the environment is hot and ventilation is poor; and older adults are actually more susceptible to heat stress due to age-related changes and health factors, not immune to its effects. If you suspect heat stroke, seek emergency help immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting.