Which of the following is a common symptom of dehydration?

Bowel impaction is a common symptom of dehydration because sufficient fluid intake is essential for maintaining healthy bowel function. When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to a harder stool consistency, making it more difficult to pass and resulting in constipation or impaction. This occurs because the colon absorbs more water from the waste material as the body attempts to conserve fluid, which ultimately leaves less moisture in the stool, leading to complications like bowel impaction.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not typically associate with dehydration. Increased appetite can actually decrease in some cases of dehydration, as the body often misinterprets thirst signals as hunger. Enhanced memory is not linked to dehydration; in fact, dehydration can impair cognitive functions, including memory. Improved skin texture is also unlikely, as dehydration tends to cause skin to become dry and less elastic, rather than enhancing its appearance. Hence, bowel impaction serves as a clear indicator of the effects dehydration can have on the body's digestive system.