Which of the following is a symptom of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that can occur when the body is exposed to high temperatures, often in conjunction with strenuous exercise or physical labor, leading to a depletion of fluids and electrolytes. One of the hallmark symptoms of heat exhaustion is heavy or profuse sweating; this occurs as the body attempts to cool itself down through the evaporation of sweat.

In the context of the options provided, heavy sweating signifies the body's response to overheating, marking it as a significant indicator of heat exhaustion. Other symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, headaches, and nausea, but heavy sweating stands out as a primary symptom associated with this condition. Recognizing heavy sweating as a key indicator can help individuals take appropriate action to address the heat exhaustion before it escalates to a more severe heat-related illness, such as heat stroke.

The other options present symptoms that are not typically associated with heat exhaustion. Sharp chest pain may indicate a cardiac issue, numbness in limbs could be related to neurological problems or circulation issues, and blurred vision may signal dehydration but is less directly linked to heat exhaustion specifically. Understanding these symptoms helps in differentiating between various medical emergencies.