In cases of heat stroke, which symptom is least likely to occur?

In the context of heat stroke, cool and clammy skin is least likely to occur due to the physiological effects of the condition. Heat stroke is characterized by a failure of the body’s thermoregulation, leading to a significantly elevated body temperature, often above 104°F (40°C). This extreme state typically results in dry, hot skin because the body's ability to sweat and cool itself is overwhelmed or impaired.

Patients experiencing heat stroke tend to exhibit high body temperature and altered mental states, such as confusion or agitation, as the heat affects brain function. Additionally, the absence of sweating or no sweating is a hallmark sign of heat stroke, indicating that the body's cooling mechanisms are no longer effective. Therefore, cool and clammy skin does not align with the typical symptoms of heat stroke, making it the least likely symptom to occur in such cases.