A client has a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL and a hematocrit of 30%. This finding places the client at risk for which condition?

A client has a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL and a hematocrit of 30%. This finding places the client at risk for which condition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Cellular hypoxia

Answer: (D)

Low hemoglobin and hematocrit mean the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen is reduced. Hemoglobin is the protein that binds oxygen, and hematocrit reflects how much of the blood is made up of red cells. When these are low, less oxygen is delivered to tissues, so cells can become hypoxic, especially during activities when oxygen demand rises. That’s why cellular hypoxia is the most likely risk. Dehydration, hyperglycemia, and hyperkalemia are not direct consequences of low red cell mass in this way; dehydration can actually concentrate the blood, while the others are metabolic issues not caused by anemia.

Low hemoglobin and hematocrit mean the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen is reduced. Hemoglobin is the protein that binds oxygen, and hematocrit reflects how much of the blood is made up of red cells. When these are low, less oxygen is delivered to tissues, so cells can become hypoxic, especially during activities when oxygen demand rises. That’s why cellular hypoxia is the most likely risk. Dehydration, hyperglycemia, and hyperkalemia are not direct consequences of low red cell mass in this way; dehydration can actually concentrate the blood, while the others are metabolic issues not caused by anemia.