A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's complete blood count (CBC) results and notes an elevated hematocrit level. Which of the following is a common cause of this finding?
An elevated hematocrit level indicates a higher-than-normal percentage of red blood cells in the blood. This can be caused by a decrease in plasma volume, which occurs during dehydration, making the red blood cells more concentrated. Other less common causes include conditions that increase red blood cell production, such as polycythemia vera or chronic low oxygen levels. Anemia, overhydration, and active bleeding would all typically result in a low hematocrit level.
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Clinical Competency
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