What are signs of hypothermia?

Loss of mental acuity and slurred speech are indeed significant signs of hypothermia. As the body temperature drops below the normal range, mental function can be impaired due to the effects on the central nervous system. Individuals may struggle to think clearly or respond appropriately, leading to confusion, disorientation, and slurred speech. This mental distress is often a result of the body prioritizing vital functions and other neurological effects of cold exposure.

The other choices represent symptoms that are more associated with different conditions. Loss of appetite and extreme fatigue are common in various health issues but are not specific indicators of hypothermia. Elevated heartbeat and sweating are more typical of heat-related illnesses rather than exposure to cold. Similarly, rapid breathing and high blood pressure may occur in response to stress or other health issues, but they do not relate directly to hypothermia, which generally leads to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure as the body's functions slow down in response to cold.