MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the best treatment for a hypothermic victim pulled from a frozen lake?

1. Remove wet clothing and keep warm

2. Place in a heated car

3. Use hot water to warm them up

4. Give them warm drinks

The correct answer is: Remove wet clothing and keep warm

Removing wet clothing and keeping the victim warm is essential for treating hypothermia effectively. Wet clothing can exacerbate heat loss, as water conducts heat away from the body much more efficiently than air. By quickly removing the wet clothing, you reduce the risk of further heat loss. Once the clothing is removed, the individual should be wrapped in dry, warm blankets or clothing to help raise their body temperature gradually. Other treatments, while they may seem beneficial, do not address the immediate need to prevent further heat loss. Placing a hypothermic person in a heated car can result in a rapid temperature change that may cause shock or further complications if not done with caution. Using hot water to warm them may also be risky, as immersing someone in hot water can cause superficial blood vessels to dilate and drive cold blood from the periphery to the core of the body, potentially putting them into cardiac complications. Giving warm drinks can be helpful if the person is conscious and able to swallow, but it’s not the primary action to ensure their immediate survival and stabilization. Therefore, the best initial treatment focuses on preventing further heat loss and beginning the process of rewarming by removing wet clothing and ensuring the victim is kept warm with dry materials.