NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

Which factor may contribute to secondary hypothermia?

1. Thin body condition

2. Illness/malnutrition

3. Cold water immersion

4. Young or old age

The correct answer is: Illness/malnutrition

Secondary hypothermia refers to a drop in body temperature that occurs as a result of other underlying conditions or circumstances rather than from direct exposure to cold environments. One significant contributor to secondary hypothermia is illness or malnutrition. When an animal is ill or malnourished, its body may struggle to regulate temperature effectively. Illness can lead to metabolic changes and decreased energy production, which can impair the body's ability to generate heat. Additionally, malnutrition can hinder an animal's physiological functions. Without adequate nutrients, the body may lack the necessary resources to maintain a stable internal temperature, making it more susceptible to the effects of cold environments. This means that animals already facing health challenges or lack of nutrition are at a higher risk for experiencing secondary hypothermia when exposed to cold conditions. In contrast, while thin body condition, cold water immersion, and being very young or old can influence an animal's susceptibility to hypothermia, they are more direct causes or risk factors rather than underlying contributors that lead to secondary hypothermia due to a prior condition.