| Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 17M.3.SL.tz0.2 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
State the normal physiological range for core body temperature.
Explain the characteristics of heat stroke.
Markscheme
36 – 38 degrees Celsius / 97 – 99 Fahrenheit✔
Dehydration:
if a person becomes dehydrated sweat mechanism is impaired✔
Thermoregulatory failure:
low fluid levels in the body impair sweating✔
Disorientation / twitching / seizures / coma:
dizziness and fainting results from reduced blood flow to the brain✔
heat causes an increase in blood flow to the skin and pooling of blood in the legs, which can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure✔
feeling of light-headedness before fainting occurs✔
Lack of sweating:
occurs to preserve fluid levels✔
dangerously high core temperature ‹greater than 40° C › results✔
Examiners report
There were many vague responses about heat stroke that did not address the question. Students were quite weak at ‘explaining’ the characteristics.
