Question

Draw an arrow on the test tubes (A, B, C) indicating the normal hematocrit. Then draw arrows indicating the hematocrits for the following cases. Record your explanation for the change in hematocrit.

A. A patient has been vomiting for 1 week (stomach “bug”) and is severely dehydrated.

B. An underweight 20-year-old vegan has been dieting for 3 months, losing 20 pounds. She was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.

C. A hospitalized patient was overhydrated with IV fluid and developed a “dilutional” anemia.

Answer 1

Let us take 3 test tubes. Let us mark 3 arrows . One in the middle which is normal value, one would be above this level which shows increased haematocrit and one would be below normal level which is low haematocrit level. Now let us take the 3 scenarios here.

1. In first case where there is volume depletion due to vomiting haematocrit level is seen considerably increased. Here haematocrit level is found to touch the top marker of first test tube indicating high haematocrit.

2. In second case of anaemia haematocrit level is seen to be reduced. Hence haematocrit level is found to touch the bottom arrow below normal level in second test tube.

3. Third case is all about hypervolemia or increased amount of fluid which will considerably reduce haematocrit. The result will be similar to the one found on second test tube.