Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

During an exercise session on a hot day, a client displays headaches, nausea, and profuse sweating. Which condition is the client likely experiencing?

1. Heat stroke

2. Heat cramps

3. Heat exhaustion

4. Hypothermia

The correct answer is: Heat exhaustion

The symptoms of headaches, nausea, and profuse sweating during an exercise session on a hot day suggest that the client is likely experiencing heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt, often due to heavy sweating in high temperatures. It is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating. Heat exhaustion is a response to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and can occur when the body is unable to cool itself effectively. The profuse sweating indicates that the body is trying to cool down, but if fluid and electrolyte loss is not adequately replenished, it can lead to the more severe condition known as heat stroke. While heat cramps and heat stroke present distinct symptoms, the combination of headache, nausea, and sweating aligns closely with heat exhaustion. Hypothermia, on the other hand, would involve symptoms related to excessive cooling of the body, which is not applicable in this scenario of hot weather and exertion. Understanding the signs of heat-related illnesses helps ensure appropriate interventions are taken to prevent further complications.