Which of the following statements is true regarding heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a severe and potentially fatal condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical exertion, especially during hot weather. One of the key characteristics of heat stroke is the inability of the body to cool itself effectively, which often leads to a lack of sweating. In contrast to other heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, individuals experiencing heat stroke may have warm, dry skin because their thermoregulatory mechanisms have failed. This absence of sweating is a critical clinical indicator, helping differentiate heat stroke from other conditions.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the nature of heat stroke. For example, heat stroke generally occurs with some degree of physical exertion, especially in hot climates, which is contrary to the statement suggesting it can occur without such exertion. Additionally, rather than resulting in low body temperature, heat stroke typically results in a significantly elevated body temperature, often over 104°F (40°C). While hydration is important for recovery from heat-related illnesses, heat stroke is not easily reversible merely with hydration; immediate medical attention and intervention are required to prevent serious complications or death.