Which of the following is a late sign of heatstroke?

• A. Profuse sweating
• B. Cool skin
• C. Nausea
• D. Hot, dry skin

Answer: (D)

Heatstroke represents a breakdown of the body's ability to regulate temperature, and the signs progress as cooling fails. A late sign is hot, dry skin because sweating has stopped. When the body can no longer sweat to shed heat, the skin becomes dry and the core temperature climbs quickly, often with changes in mental status. Early signs you’d expect before this stage include sweating and cool or clammy skin, which reflect the body still actively trying to cool itself, as well as symptoms like nausea that can occur at various stages. Recognizing hot, dry skin as a late indicator helps you act fast with rapid cooling and urgent EMS involvement.