What is a significant characteristic of severe hypothermia?

Severe hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body temperature drops significantly below normal levels, typically below 95°F (35°C). One of the major characteristics of this condition is the loss of reflexes. As the body temperature decreases, physiological functions slow down, resulting in decreased neurological activity. This hypothermic response can lead to diminished or absent reflexes, which can be crucial indicators of the severity of the hypothermic state.

In contrast, other physiological responses, like increased shivering, typically occur in the early stages of hypothermia as the body attempts to generate heat. As hypothermia progresses to severe levels, shivering often ceases, and instead, the body becomes increasingly unresponsive. Elevated blood pressure is not a typical characteristic of severe hypothermia; in fact, blood pressure can often decrease as the body reacts to cold. Normal consciousness is also not a feature of severe hypothermia; individuals may exhibit confusion, lethargy, or even loss of consciousness as their body struggles to maintain homeostasis under extreme cold conditions. Thus, the characteristic of loss of reflexes is a clear indication of the profound impact that severe hypothermia has on the central nervous system and overall bodily functions.