Which of the following is a potential consequence of failing to adhere to a gluten-free diet in clients with celiac disease?

In individuals with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is crucial to avoid serious health complications. When these individuals consume gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This damage can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in various long-term gastrointestinal complications such as chronic diarrhea, osteoporosis, infertility, and even certain cancers.

Thus, the potential consequence of failing to adhere to a gluten-free diet directly correlates with these long-term gastrointestinal issues. Maintaining a gluten-free diet is essential for healing the intestinal lining and preventing these adverse health outcomes.

The other options do not reflect the physiological realities for someone with celiac disease. Increased energy levels, weight gain, and improved nutritional absorption might be outcomes once a gluten-free diet is successfully implemented, but failing to adhere to it typically results in negative health effects rather than positive changes.