Heat exhaustion is caused by...

• A. Depletion of body fluids caused by cold exposure
• B. Depletion of body fluids during cold weather
• C. Dehydration prevents overheating
• D. Excessive exposure to heat and depletion of body fluids

Answer: (D)

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is exposed to heat for a prolonged period and loses a lot of fluids through sweating. When you sweat, you also lose electrolytes, and if those fluids aren’t replaced, you can’t cool your body effectively. That combination of heavy heat exposure and fluid loss leads to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headache, and nausea as the body's cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed.

The statement that fits best describes this situation: ongoing exposure to heat plus depletion of body fluids. The other options point to cold exposure or suggest dehydration somehow prevents overheating, which isn’t true—dehydration actually impairs cooling and increases the risk of overheating.

In real-world terms, preventing heat exhaustion involves staying hydrated, taking breaks in shade or cooler environments, and acclimatizing to hot conditions.