Question

1. Clinical example of loss of homeostatic control: During the recent bushfire crisis, volunteer firefighter Garry who is 65 years of age joined to protect homes on the NSW South Coast. He has 40 years of experience fighting bushfires although he has put on some weight in the past 10 years and has not been actively part of the volunteering crew for a while. After a long night out protecting properties where Garry had hardly any break for food or drink, the wind changed, and the crew battles on into the middle of the day. Temperatures reach into the high 50ies and Garry becomes dizzy, disoriented and feels his muscles cramping – he tries to alert his mates and get back to the truck for a break, but he collapses on the spot. His mates managed to get him away from the fire front and called an ambulance fearing that he might have suffered a heart attack. The diagnosis was "heat stroke". Search for the symptoms and physiological signs of "heat stroke" and list them including references in Western Sydney University Harvard style.

Answer 1

Heat stroke is a serious condition occurring due to high body temperatures, often a result of significant exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Symptoms include high body temperature, altered mental state or behavior, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and headache.

Step-by-step explanation:

Heat stroke is a serious condition resulting from high body temperatures, usually in response to prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. The physiological signs and symptoms of a heat stroke can include a high body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C), altered mental state or behavior (such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech), alteration in sweating (skin may be hot and dry to the touch), nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, and headache. Loss of consciousness or falling into a coma can be serious complications.1.

Garry experienced several of these symptoms - dizziness, disorientation, and muscle cramping - all suggestive of a heat stroke.

Reference:
1. Heaton, C.J., Luxton, R.E., McCain, N.L. (2017). Heatstroke: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Internal Medicine, 30(5), 642-648.

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