TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

Question: 1 / 400

What is a potential outcome of untreated severe hypothermia?

Increased metabolism

Cardiac arrest

Untreated severe hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest due to the body's physiological response to excessively low temperatures. As the core body temperature drops, the heart's ability to function normally deteriorates, resulting in changes to heart rhythm, including bradycardia or arrhythmias. Hypothermia affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, which can culminate in a life-threatening condition where the heart stops beating entirely, known as cardiac arrest.

Other potential outcomes of severe hypothermia include impaired central nervous system functioning, muscle stiffness, and decreased metabolism, but the direct and critical concern is the risk of cardiac arrest, making it a significant outcome if the condition remains untreated. Enhanced healing and fast recovery are not associated with hypothermia, as it typically hampers physiological processes and recovery.

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