Final answer:
To treat heat exhaustion, one should provide the patient with cool water mixed with a teaspoon of salt per liter or quart, as this helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Care should be taken to avoid giving cold water to prevent shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient suffering from heat exhaustion should be given plenty of cool (not cold) water to drink, with about one teaspoon of salt added to a liter or quart of water. This condition can occur when the body loses excess fluids and electrolytes due to sweating. In terms of fluid intake, it is key to provide water that is not too cold to avoid shock to the system.
Additionally, the body's response to heat includes sweating and increasing blood circulation to dissipate heat, which underscores the importance of maintaining proper hydration. However, in a humid environment, the effectiveness of sweating is reduced, necessitating even more attention to fluid intake. Adding a small amount of salt to the water can help replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat.