ATI Hematologic System Related

Review ATI Hematologic System related questions and content

A female patient's hematocrit level is 50% and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. What should the nurse suspect as being the cause for this patient's hematocrit level?

  • A. Dehydration
  • B. Chronic renal failure
  • C. Bone marrow suppression
  • D. Bleeding esophageal varices
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dehydration. Dehydration can lead to hemoconcentration, resulting in an elevated hematocrit level. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma volume decreases, causing an increase in the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, leading to a higher hematocrit level. In this case, the patient's high hematocrit level of 50% is likely due to dehydration rather than the other options. Oxygen saturation being 98% on room air indicates adequate oxygenation, ruling out chronic renal failure, bone marrow suppression, and bleeding esophageal varices as potential causes for the high hematocrit level in this patient.