What is the initial management of heat stroke?

What is the initial management of heat stroke?

• A. Evaporative cooling with fans and water spray
• B. All of the above
• C. Oxygen therapy
• D. IV crystalloids

Answer: (B)

Initial management of heat stroke centers on rapidly lowering the core temperature while stabilizing breathing and circulation. Evaporative cooling with water spray and fans is highly effective because evaporation accelerates heat loss and can be applied quickly in most settings, helping to bring the temperature down fast. Oxygen therapy is provided to maintain adequate oxygenation, especially if the patient shows signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia, which can occur with systemic heat injury. Intravenous crystalloids are started promptly to restore intravascular volume, improve organ perfusion, and help prevent kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis and dehydration. Together, these measures address the most immediate risks: extreme hyperthermia, circulatory depletion, and potential oxygen deficit.

Initial management of heat stroke centers on rapidly lowering the core temperature while stabilizing breathing and circulation. Evaporative cooling with water spray and fans is highly effective because evaporation accelerates heat loss and can be applied quickly in most settings, helping to bring the temperature down fast. Oxygen therapy is provided to maintain adequate oxygenation, especially if the patient shows signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia, which can occur with systemic heat injury. Intravenous crystalloids are started promptly to restore intravascular volume, improve organ perfusion, and help prevent kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis and dehydration. Together, these measures address the most immediate risks: extreme hyperthermia, circulatory depletion, and potential oxygen deficit.