What condition may result from severe diarrhea?

Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration because it results in a significant loss of water and electrolytes from the body. With a rapid loss of fluids, the volume of blood decreases, which can affect various bodily functions and lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urine output. Inadequate rehydration following diarrhea exacerbates the risk for developing dehydration, making it a critical concern that requires immediate management to restore body fluids and prevent further complications.

While hypotension can occur as a consequence of dehydration due to reduced blood volume, dehydration itself is the primary condition that arises directly from the excessive fluid loss in severe diarrhea. Hyperhydration is not a concern in this context, as it refers to an excess of body fluids, and electrolyte retention is not typically associated with diarrhea, which often leads to electrolyte loss rather than retention. Therefore, dehydration is the most accurate and direct outcome of severe diarrhea.