Which of the following statements is correct regarding drowning in adults?

• A. Drowning in adults rarely affects the respiratory system.
• B. Drowning in adults most commonly results from accidental submersion in water, leading to impaired gas exchange and hypoxia.
• C. Drowning in adults is primarily caused by dehydration rather than water inhalation.
• D. Drowning in adults is usually not life-threatening if the person is unconscious.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the biological process of drowning. Drowning occurs when a person is submerged in water, leading to water entering the respiratory system and impairing gas exchange in the lungs.
2. Step 2: Recognize the primary consequence of drowning, which is hypoxia (lack of oxygen). This occurs because water in the lungs prevents oxygen from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the incorrect statements. For example, the claim that drowning rarely affects the respiratory system is false because the respiratory system is directly impacted during drowning.
4. Step 4: Analyze the statement about dehydration. Drowning is not caused by dehydration; it is caused by water inhalation, which disrupts normal respiratory function.
5. Step 5: Consider the life-threatening nature of drowning. Even if a person is unconscious, drowning can still be fatal due to prolonged hypoxia and potential cardiac arrest.