Which of the following is a sign of severe hypothermia?

Severe hypothermia is characterized by a significant drop in body temperature, leading to critical physiological changes. The correct choice highlights a key indicator of this condition: the absence of shivering combined with an inability to walk.

In severe hypothermia, the body’s response mechanisms begin to fail. While mild hypothermia can still trigger shivering as a response to generate heat, in severe cases, the body may stop shivering altogether due to the cold significantly affecting the nervous system. This lack of muscle activity is accompanied by extreme weakness which can manifest as an inability to walk.

The other indicators mentioned, such as strong shivering or cold extremities only, are more closely associated with less severe forms of hypothermia. Inability to speak clearly might suggest confusion or mild cognitive impairment rather than a definitive sign of severe hypothermia, which requires a more critical assessment. Therefore, the presence of no shivering alongside a marked inability to walk stands as a clear and telling sign of severe hypothermia.