Dehydration can be life-threatening if severe. Which statement is correct?

• A. Harmless condition
• B. Unrelated to water loss
• C. A condition that can be life-threatening if severe and not treated
• D. Caused by excessive drinking

Answer: (C)

Dehydration means losing more fluids than are taken in, and the danger rises as more water and electrolytes are lost. When dehydration becomes severe, blood volume decreases and organ systems don’t get enough blood flow, which can lead to shock, kidney injury, and other life-threatening problems if not treated promptly. That’s why the statement that it can be life-threatening if severe and not treated is correct. The other statements don’t fit: dehydration is not harmless, it is directly related to water loss, and excessive drinking causes overhydration or hyponatremia rather than dehydration.