MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which symptom indicates a complete lack of sweating, commonly associated with heat stress?

1. Fatigue

2. Heavy sweating

3. Altered behavior

4. Clammy skin

The correct answer is: Fatigue

The symptom that indicates a complete lack of sweating, which is commonly associated with heat stress, is fatigue. In heat-related illnesses, particularly heat stroke, the body's thermoregulatory system becomes overwhelmed. This can lead to a cessation of sweating, causing the body to retain heat and elevate body temperature, which can result in fatigue as the body's mechanisms struggle to cope with the excessive heat. As the situation worsens, the person may exhibit increased fatigue due to dehydration and the overwhelming stress on their system. In contrast, symptoms like heavy sweating or clammy skin suggest the body is actively trying to cool itself, while altered behavior can occur as a result of increased body temperature, but it does not specifically indicate a complete lack of sweating. Therefore, fatigue is the primary symptom reflecting the body's inability to sweat when experiencing significant heat stress.