Final answer:
Dehydration can cause confusion due to a loss of electrolytes, and the correct answer to fix the issue and resolve the confusion is B. Electrolyte imbalance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dehydration refers to water loss from the body without adequate replacement. It can result from either water loss or electrolyte imbalance, or, most commonly, both. Dehydration can be caused by prolonged physical activity without adequate water intake, heat exposure, excessive weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, infectious diseases, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and very high glucose levels. Physiologically, dehydration decreases blood volume. The water in cells moves into the blood to compensate for the low blood-volume, and cells shrink. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, fainting, headaches, low blood-pressure, fatigue, low to no urine output, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness and death. Signs and symptoms are usually noticeable after about 2 percent of total body water is lost.
Secondary dehydration is a decrease or increase in the total electrolytes which affects the volume of body water, causing intracellular edema, slowing of circulation, and impairment of urinal function. The individual becomes weak.
Dehydration can cause confusion due to a loss of electrolytes. However, fixing the issue and replenishing the electrolytes can help resolve the confusion. This can be done through measures such as rehydration or the administration of antibiotics depending on the cause of the confusion. The options provided in the question are: A. Dehydration, B. Electrolyte imbalance, C. Infection, and D. Medication side effects. The correct answer in this case would be B. Electrolyte imbalance, as an imbalance in electrolyte levels can contribute to confusion and addressing this imbalance can alleviate the symptoms.