CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

A patient who is diaphoretic generally has?

1. Pale, cold, clammy skin

2. Hot, dry skin

3. Dilated pupils

4. Warm, moist skin

The correct answer is: Pale, cold, clammy skin

A patient who is diaphoretic, which refers to excessive sweating, typically presents with pale, cold, clammy skin. This condition often reflects the body’s response to an underlying issue, such as shock, anxiety, or certain medical emergencies. The combination of being diaphoretic and having clammy skin is a physiological response aimed at regulating body temperature and can indicate that the body is in distress. The skin's pallor and coolness can be attributed to vasoconstriction, which may occur as the body diverts blood flow to vital organs during times of stress. This phenomenon further contributes to the clamminess often observed in these cases. While there are different presentations associated with other conditions—like hot, dry skin in heat stroke, or warm, moist skin indicating fever—the hallmark of diaphoresis is the specific combination of pale, cold, and clammy characteristics.