If a patient with heat exhaustion is conscious and able to drink, what is the recommended fluid?

• A. Water or electrolyte solution
• B. Milk
• C. Alcohol
• D. Carbonated soda

Answer: (A)

When someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, the key step is rehydration to replace water and the electrolytes lost in sweat. If they can drink, fluids that provide both hydration and electrolyte replacement are best. Water by itself rehydrates, but an electrolyte solution helps restore sodium and other minerals that were lost, supporting proper fluid balance and nerve and muscle function.

Milk isn’t ideal here because it can be harder to digest, may cause nausea, and slows gastric emptying. Alcohol should be avoided because it dehydrates the body. Carbonated soda often irritates the stomach, has added sugar, and doesn’t reliably replace electrolytes. So the recommended fluid is water or an electrolyte-containing solution to optimize rehydration.