Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with heat stress?

1. Fatigue

2. Severe thirst

3. Vomiting

4. Heavy sweating

The correct answer is: Vomiting

Vomiting is not commonly associated with heat stress when compared to the other symptoms listed. Heat stress typically manifests through symptoms that reflect the body's attempt to cool itself and the physical stress it undergoes due to excessive heat exposure. Fatigue is a common symptom as the body exhausts its energy trying to deal with the heat. Severe thirst is a direct response to dehydration, which often accompanies heat stress as the body loses fluids. Heavy sweating is a normal physiological response aimed at regulating body temperature; it helps cool the body through evaporation. In contrast, while severe cases of heat stress can lead to more critical conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, vomiting is not a primary symptom associated with the initial stages of heat stress and instead may indicate a more serious health emergency or separate health issue.