What is a common result of a drowning incident involving prolonged submersion in water?

In cases of drowning, particularly those involving prolonged submersion in water, hypothermia becomes a crucial concern. When a person is submerged for an extended period, especially in cold water, their body temperature can drop significantly. The body's core temperature can decline rapidly due to the heat exchange with the water, which can lead to hypothermia.

Hypothermia can impair bodily functions, significantly affecting the heart and central nervous system and increasing the risk of arrhythmias and unconsciousness. The effects can be compounded when a person is submerged, as shivering ceases, which is typically the body's natural response to cold to generate heat.

The other options, such as dehydration of the body and internal bruising, may occur in different scenarios but are not specific consequences of drowning. Dehydration typically occurs due to insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss over time, rather than as a direct result of being submerged in water. Internal bruising would require blunt force trauma, which is not inherent to drowning. Electrolyte imbalance can be a concern but is more related to specific conditions, such as those involving water intoxication or certain medical conditions, rather than a standard outcome after drowning.