What should a trainer monitor in an athlete suspected of having exertional heat exhaustion?

Monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and core temperature is critical in an athlete suspected of having exertional heat exhaustion because these parameters provide essential insights into the body's physiological response to heat stress.

Heart rate can be an indicator of cardiovascular strain and how well the body is coping with heat. As the body overheats, heart rate typically increases to aid in cooling through increased blood flow to the skin. Blood pressure helps assess the athlete's circulatory stability and can indicate whether the athlete is developing dehydration or cardiovascular distress. Core temperature, in particular, is crucial, as it directly reflects the body's internal temperature, which can rise significantly during intense physical activity in hot environments. Maintaining an appropriate core temperature is vital for preventing more severe heat illnesses.

In contrast, focusing solely on body temperature may not provide a complete picture, as body temperature readings alone might not reflect other critical factors such as hydration status and cardiovascular function. Monitoring weight loss during training can indicate dehydration but does not provide real-time insights into the athlete's immediate physiological state. Vision changes might be a symptom of heat exhaustion, but they are not direct indicators of the body’s response to heat and thus not reliable for monitoring during activity.