What describes hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate heat, causing the core body temperature to drop to dangerously low levels. This can happen in cold, wet, or windy conditions where the body is unable to maintain its normal thermal balance. Symptoms of hypothermia may include shivering, confusion, fatigue, and eventually loss of consciousness. Understanding this condition is crucial for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, as it emphasizes the need for proper clothing and preparation when facing cold weather.

The other options presented—such as excessive sweating, a rapid increase in body temperature, and fatigue due to dehydration—do not accurately describe hypothermia, as they relate to different physiological responses or conditions. For instance, excessive sweating typically indicates the body is trying to cool down, not lose heat, while a rapid increase in body temperature points towards heat-related illnesses, and fatigue from dehydration concerns fluid balance rather than temperature regulation.