What is the priority order for cooling a client with heat stroke?

In managing heat stroke, the priority is to rapidly reduce the body temperature to prevent life-threatening complications. The most effective method for cooling a client experiencing heat stroke is to start by removing clothing to allow for maximum skin exposure, as clothing can trap heat and hinder cooling efforts.

Applying ice packs, particularly to critical areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin, is crucial because it targets the blood flow in major arteries, helping to reduce core body temperature more effectively. Following these actions with the use of a fan creates a convective cooling effect, which further assists in lowering temperature by enhancing evaporation. This order of removal, application, and enhancement facilitates a quicker and more efficient cooling process, which is vital in cases of heat stroke where time is of the essence to prevent organ damage or potential mortality.