Cold Stress and Hypothermia Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary physiological response of the body to cold conditions?

Shifting blood flow from extremities to core (correct)

Rapid respiration to generate heat

Increased blood flow to the extremities

Enhanced perspiration to cool the body

Which of the following is a serious health issue that can occur due to cold stress?

Chronic fatigue

Dehydration

Frostbite (correct)

Allergies

What is a primary symptom of trench foot?

Increased temperature

Excessive sweating

Extreme itchiness

Redness of the skin (correct)

Which symptom is commonly associated with frostbite?

Numbness in the affected body part Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first for a person suffering from immersion foot?

Remove wet socks and shoes Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be done to assist someone suffering from frostbite?

Rub the affected area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended preventative measure for trench foot?

Expose feet to damp conditions Signup and view all the answers

When treating hypothermia, which action is important if medical help is not immediately available?

Offer warm sweetened drinks if the person is alert Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial response of the body to prolonged cold exposure?

Decrease in muscular strength Signup and view all the answers

What temperatures can chilblains occur at?

Just above freezing to as high as 60°F Signup and view all the answers

What condition can occur if frostbite is not treated properly?

Need for amputation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should NOT be done to alleviate symptoms of chilblains?

Use hot water to soak the feet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended for someone with hypothermia?

Encourage movement to generate heat Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about trench foot prevention?

Feet should be exposed to damp conditions for acclimatization Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with gangrene due to trench foot?

Skin turning dark purple or gray Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following safety tips is critical for workers in cold environments?

Monitor your physical condition and that of coworkers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when skin and internal body temperature drop, leading to serious health problems and potentially death
Factors influencing cold stress include: air temperature, body temperature, air movement, body movement, and duration of exposure
Body's response to cold: most energy is used to keep internal core temperature warm. Blood flow shifts from extremities to the core, cooling exposed skin and extremities quickly, increasing risk of frostbite and hypothermia
Common cold-induced illnesses/injuries: hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, chilblains

Hypothermia

Warning signs: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles
First aid: seek immediate medical help. Move the person to a warm place. Remove wet clothes and cover the body with layers of blankets (with vapor barrier if appropriate), don't cover the face. Administer warm sweetened drinks (no alcohol) if person is alert. Apply warm bottles/packs to armpits, chest sides, and groin.

Frostbite

Definition: Freezing injury to skin and underlying tissues. Occurrence rate increases with lower temperatures
Affects: Primarily extremities (feet, hands)
Symptoms: numbness, tingling/stinging, pain, bluish/pale waxy skin; blisters (severe cases)
First aid: DO NOT rub affected area. Loosely cover. Do not rewarm before medical help. Rewarming by medical professionals is safer. Warm sweetened drinks (no alcohol) if alert.

Trench Foot

Cause: Prolonged exposure to wet, cold temperatures (can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F)
Mechanism: Non-freezing injury. Wet feet lose heat much faster than dry feet. Body constricts blood vessels to conserve heat, reducing oxygen and nutrients to the feet. Tissue can die due to lack of oxygen.
Prevention: Keep feet dry, change wet socks frequently, use waterproof footwear, let feet warm up if feeling cold.

Trench Foot Symptoms

Redness, numbness, leg cramps, swelling, blisters/ulcers, bleeding under skin, gangrene (dark purple/blue/gray coloration)

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Classification (diagram included) ranges from intact skin to gangrene of the entire foot

Immersion Foot

First aid: Seek immediate medical help, remove wet shoes/socks, dry the feet, avoid walking.

Chilblains

Cause: Repeated exposure to skin temperatures just above freezing (up to 60°F)
Definition: painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin
Symptoms: redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation; possible ulceration in severe cases

Chilblains First Aid

Avoid scratching, slowly warm the skin, use corticosteroid creams to relieve discomfort/swelling, keep blisters/ulcers covered and clean

Safety Tips for Workers

General: Know the cold stress symptoms, monitor coworkers' physical condition, take regular warm-up breaks, dress appropriately for the cold, stay dry (prevent heat loss from sweating).
Worksite: Keep extra warm clothing (underwear included) nearby, drink warm sweetened beverages (no alcohol), avoid touching cold surfaces with exposed skin, use proper engineering controls and PPE as provided by employer.

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Description

Test your knowledge on cold stress and hypothermia with this quiz. Learn about the factors that influence cold stress, the body's response to cold, and the warning signs of hypothermia. Understand how to provide first aid in cold-induced emergencies.