Heat reactions usually occur when large amounts of water and/or salt are lost through excessive sweating following strenuous exercise. When the body becomes overheated and cannot eliminate this excess heat, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible. Heat exhaustion is generally characterized by clammy skin, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, profuse perspiration, and sometimes fainting, resulting from an inadequate intake of water and the loss of fluids. First aid treatment for this condition includes having the victim lie down, raising the feet 812 inches, applying cool, wet cloths to the skin, and giving the victim sips of salt water (1 teaspoon per glass, half a glass every 15 minutes), over the period of an hour. Heat stroke is much more serious; it is an immediately life-threatening situation.
The characteristics of heat stroke are a high body temperature (which may reach 106F or more); a rapid pulse; hot, dry skin; and a blocked sweating mechanism.
Victims of this condition may be unconscious, and first aid measures should be directed at cooling the body quickly. The victim should be placed in a tub of cold water or repeatedly sponged with cool water until his or her temperature is lowered sufficiently. Fans or air conditioners will also help with the cooling process.
Care should be taken, however, not to overchill the victim once the temperature is below 102F.
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question.
Which of the following is a symptom of heat exhaustion?
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