What is a potential complication if dehydration is not addressed?

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can be a significant complication if dehydration is not addressed. When the body is dehydrated, it lacks sufficient fluid to maintain normal blood volume. This decrease in blood volume can lead to a drop in blood pressure, resulting in hypotension. Symptoms of hypotension may include dizziness, fainting, and confusion, which can be particularly dangerous in active or high-stress environments such as those encountered by military personnel.

As for the other options, rapid weight gain does not typically occur with dehydration; instead, fluid retention may occur once hydration is restored. Excessive sweating is a response to heat or exertion and would not be a direct complication of dehydration. Elevated blood pressure is not a direct consequence of dehydration; in fact, dehydration usually leads to lower blood pressure due to reduced blood volume. Thus, hypotension is the most accurate consequence of neglecting to address dehydration.