Which of the following is a symptom of heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a severe condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion in hot weather. One of the most notable symptoms of heat stroke is confusion or altered mental status, which can manifest as slurred speech. This occurs because the body's high temperature affects the brain, leading to neurological impairments.

While joint pain, headaches, and a persistent cough can be associated with other heat-related illnesses or different health conditions, they are not definitive symptoms of heat stroke. Headaches might occur due to dehydration or other factors, but slurred speech specifically indicates a more serious decline in cognitive and neurological function as a direct result of the body's overheating and the consequent impact on brain function. Recognizing slurred speech as a symptom is vital for timely intervention, which can be critical in managing heat stroke effectively.