Which action should be avoided during hypothermia treatment?

Which action should be avoided during hypothermia treatment?

• A. Drinking alcohol
• B. Get warm
• C. Provide soup
• D. Monitor vitals

Answer: (A)

Alcohol should be avoided because it causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases heat loss and can make the core temperature drop further even though the person feels warmer. It also impairs judgment and dulls the shivering response, the body's natural way to generate heat, which can worsen hypothermia and lead to unsafe behavior or prolonged exposure. In contrast, getting warm, providing warm non-alcoholic nourishment like soup, and monitoring vital signs are appropriate actions that support safer rewarming and help track improvement.

Alcohol should be avoided because it causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases heat loss and can make the core temperature drop further even though the person feels warmer. It also impairs judgment and dulls the shivering response, the body's natural way to generate heat, which can worsen hypothermia and lead to unsafe behavior or prolonged exposure. In contrast, getting warm, providing warm non-alcoholic nourishment like soup, and monitoring vital signs are appropriate actions that support safer rewarming and help track improvement.