What could be a potential consequence of untreated severe hypothermia?

In cases of untreated severe hypothermia, one significant consequence is the loss of consciousness. As body temperature drops, the body's systems begin to fail, including the central nervous system. This can lead to confusion, lethargy, and ultimately, the individual may become unconscious. The body's metabolic processes slow, which can inhibit functioning and lead to diminished responsiveness. This loss of consciousness is a critical condition that requires immediate intervention, as it signifies a severe failure in the body's ability to regulate vital functions, increasing the risk of further complications or death if not addressed quickly.

The other options, while related to responses in hypothermia, do not accurately represent severe hypothermia's outcomes. For example, excessive shivering may occur in mild to moderate hypothermia as the body attempts to generate heat, but this response typically diminishes in severe cases as the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms fail. Normal heart rate is also unlikely in severe hypothermia, as bradycardia (a slowing heart rate) often occurs when body temperature decreases significantly. An increase in body temperature is contrary to the definition of hypothermia itself, which is characterized by a drop in body temperature.