A patient presents with a core body temperature of 35°C (95°F) and is shivering with pale and cold skin. As a medical assistant, what is the most appropriate immediate action to take while waiting for further medical treatment?
Gently rewarm the patient using warm blankets and by changing into dry clothes if applicable.
Place the patient into a hot bath to quickly raise the body temperature.
Advise the patient to rest and wait for the body temperature to rise on its own.
Have the patient exercise vigorously to generate body heat.
The correct action is to gently rewarm the patient because a core body temperature of 35°C (95°F) indicates mild hypothermia. The patient should be warmed slowly to avoid any complications associated with a rapid change in body temperature. The use of hot water or excessively heating methods can cause burns or a sudden change in blood flow which may lead to shock, thus it is not recommended. Ignoring the signs or assuming the patient simply needs rest could result in the progression of hypothermia, which can become life-threatening.
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