A patient has just been admitted to hospital for observation. Based on patient’s laboratory results. What is the patient’s primary problem?Hematocrit 45%Hemoglobin 16g/dlPlatelets 50×109/L
**Core Concept**
The patient's primary problem is related to an abnormal blood cell count, which can be a sign of a hematological disorder. The laboratory results indicate anemia (low hemoglobin), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and possibly polycythemia (high hematocrit).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's hemoglobin level of 16 g/dl is within the normal range, but the hematocrit of 45% is elevated, suggesting polycythemia. Polycythemia can occur due to various factors such as chronic hypoxia, which stimulates erythropoietin production, leading to increased red blood cell production. The thrombocytopenia may be a secondary effect of polycythemia. The platelet count of 50 × 10^9/L is below the normal range, indicating thrombocytopenia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because there is no indication of leukocytosis (high white blood cell count), which would be a more likely primary problem if the patient had an infection or inflammation.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the patient's hemoglobin level is within the normal range, and there is no indication of anemia as the primary problem.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the patient's platelet count is below the normal range, and there is no indication of thrombocytosis (high platelet count) as the primary problem.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Polycythemia can be a sign of underlying chronic hypoxia, which can be due to various conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, or living at high altitudes.
**Correct Answer:** D. Polycythemia