NCM 106 Care of Client with Problems in Cellular Aberrations, Acute

Biologic Crisis Including Emergency and Disaster Nursing

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

 Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are illnesses caused by exposure to extreme

heat.
 Heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke, if left untreated, which may be
life-threatening.
 Heat stroke is also known as sun stroke. It is a serious condition and must be
considered an emergency.
 Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result
of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most
serious form of heat injury, heat stroke, can occur if your body temperature rises
to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer
months.
“A heat stroke can be much more serious that heat exhaustion.”

Causes
1. Exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity
2. Strenuous physical activity
3. Drugs such as diuretics, anti-histamines, beta-blockers, alcohol, ecstasy, and
amphetamines
4. Wearing dark, padded, or insulated clothing: hats and/or helmets
5. Dehydration

First Aid
Heat Stroke
1. Move the person into a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
2. Remove the person's unnecessary clothing, and place the person on his or her
side to expose as much skin surface to the air as possible.
3. Cool the person's entire body by sponging or spraying cold water, and fan the
person to help lower the person's body temperature. Watch for signs of rapidly
progressing heatstroke, such as seizure, unconsciousness for longer than a few
seconds, and moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
4. Apply ice packs in each armpit and on the back of the person's neck.
5. If the patient has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing.
6. Do not give aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce a high body temperature that
can occur with heatstroke. These medicines may cause problems because of the
body's response to heatstroke.
7. If the person is awake and alert enough to swallow, give the person fluids [1 L
(32 fl oz) to 2 L (64 fl oz) over 1 to 2 hours] for hydration. You may have to
 NCM 106 Care of Client with Problems in Cellular Aberrations, Acute
Biologic Crisis Including Emergency and Disaster Nursing

help. Make sure the person is sitting up enough so that he or she does not choke.
Most people with heatstroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot
safely be given fluids to drink.

Prevention
1. Heat-illness can be prevented. Remember these 3 things:
 Water
 Rest
 Shade
2. Drink plenty of fluids, especially sports drinks to replace lost salt (avoid
caffeine and alcohol).
3. Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
4. Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
5. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
6. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
7. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it.