Heat tetany is best managed by which initial step?

• A. Heat Edema — Removal
• B. Heat Rash — Antihistamines
• C. Heat Cramps — Rest
• D. Heat Tetany — Removal from intense heat

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that stopping ongoing heat exposure comes before anything else. In heat-related conditions like heat tetany, the most urgent action is to remove the person from the hot environment to halt further heat gain and to start the cooling process. Once out of the heat, you can aggressively cool the patient (cooling blankets, ice packs to groin/axilla, evaporative cooling) and begin fluid and electrolyte management as needed. Only after cooling can you address underlying issues such as electrolyte disturbances that may contribute to tetany.

Other choices miss the immediate priority. For example, treating a rash with antihistamines or giving rest for cramps doesn’t tackle the root problem when the body is still overheating, so they’re not the initial steps in this scenario.