Which of the following occurs during the ebb phase regarding body temperature?

• A. Increased body temperature
• B. Decreased body temperature
• C. No change in body temperature
• D. Fluctuating body temperature

Answer: (B)

In the ebb phase after a major injury, the body shifts to conserving energy and preserving perfusion to vital organs. Metabolic rate and heat production drop, and cardiac output is reduced. With less metabolic heat being generated, core body temperature tends to fall, making hypothermia more likely. This contrasts with the subsequent flow phase, where metabolism ramps up and body temperature can rise. So the decrease in body temperature is the characteristic change during the ebb phase.