What is a sign that the body is experiencing hypothermia?

C. Numbness and impaired judgment are clear indicators of hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. As the body temperature drops, physiological changes occur that affect both sensory perception and cognitive function. Numbness may result from the body prioritizing blood flow to vital organs, causing extremities to feel cold and lose feeling. Impaired judgment can stem from how hypothermia impairs the central nervous system, affecting your ability to think clearly or make rational decisions. This can increase the risk of further exposure to cold conditions, thereby worsening the situation.

Other options reflect conditions unrelated to hypothermia. High energy levels and feeling extremely hot are contrary to the body's response to cold environments, where energy levels typically decrease as the body struggles to maintain its temperature. A rapid heartbeat may indicate other physiological responses but is not a primary sign of hypothermia, which may actually result in a slowed heart rate as the body’s systems begin to shut down.