Which of the following symptoms indicates that a casualty may not be stabilizing correctly?

A rapid heart rate is a significant indicator that a casualty may not be stabilizing correctly. In the context of tactical combat casualty care, an increased heart rate can suggest several underlying issues, such as shock, internal bleeding, or other forms of stress on the body. This physiological response indicates that the body is attempting to compensate for lost blood volume or decreased oxygen delivery, which reflects a deteriorating state rather than stability.

In contrast, increased hunger typically relates to nutritional needs rather than the immediate physical condition of the casualty. Dry skin might suggest dehydration or other non-acute issues, while clear speech generally indicates that the casualty is not experiencing confusion or significant distress and is therefore more likely to be stable. These symptoms do not signal an immediate threat to the casualty's stabilization in the same way that a rapid heart rate does.