| You are the team physician for a high school football team and are on the sidelines at a game. A 16-year-old male player falls to the ground near the end of a game. He is awake but confused. The air temperature is 95°F (35°C) and the trainer says the player has not been drinking much water. On examination he is warm and tachycardic. Which of the following is the appropriate next course of action? |
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- Remove the player from the field; contact emergency medical services; remove his shoulder pads, tights, shoes, and helmet; and apply ice-cold towels or a cooling blanket. The player is confused and in danger of heatstroke. Immediate cooling is the priority. He should have tight clothing and pads removed and have cold towels or a cooling blanket placed to cool him.
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- Remove the player from the field to a shady area and make him drink some water. Do not allow him to return to play and continue to monitor him on the sidelines. The player is confused and in danger of heatstroke. Immediate cooling is the priority. He should have tight clothing and pads removed and have cold towels or a cooling blanket placed to cool him. Having him drink water will not cool him sufficiently in a timely manner.
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- Wait for him to become oriented, make him drink some water, and then allow him to return to play. Make him drink water during each break from play. The player is confused and in danger of heatstroke. Immediate cooling is the priority. He should have tight clothing and pads removed and have cold towels or a cooling blanket placed to cool him. He should not be allowed to return to play.