Final answer:
During a heat wave, admissions to the emergency room may include patients with heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse can expect admissions to the emergency room to present with signs and symptoms related to heat-related illnesses. During a heat wave, people may experience dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine. Heat exhaustion may present with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, and excessive sweating. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and can cause symptoms such as a high body temperature, confusion, rapid breathing, and loss of consciousness.