Which of the following is NOT a symptom of late hypothermia?

• A. No shivering
• B. Bradypnea
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (D)

Tachycardia is not seen in late hypothermia. In the early stages, the body activates sympathetic responses to generate heat, so heart rate and breathing commonly rise. As temperature falls and the condition becomes severe, the heart and lungs slow down because of metabolic depression and impaired conduction, leading to bradycardia and bradypnea. Shivering also ceases in late hypothermia, reflecting exhausted heat production. So, a rapid heart rate is characteristic of the early phase, not the late phase.