Final answer:
The patient is most likely experiencing a systemic cold emergency, as peripheral vasoconstriction and a slowing metabolic rate are indicative of the body's response to cold to conserve heat and protect vital organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an environmental patient is experiencing peripheral vasoconstriction and a slowing metabolic rate, it indicates the body is attempting to conserve heat and direct warm blood to vital organs. This is a response to cold, not heat. Therefore, the patient is most likely experiencing a systemic cold emergency (D). Vasodilation transfers heat from arteries to veins to warm blood returning to the heart.
When in a cold environment, the body reduces blood circulation to the extremities, like the hands and feet, to prevent blood from cooling there and to keep the body's core warm. If the core temperature drops significantly, red blood cells lose their ability to give up oxygen, which can lead to severe consequences such as confusion, lethargy, and even death.