Chapter 18, Problem 1DYB

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Blood is a connective tissue which flows from the heart through arteries and veins to all body parts. Whole blood consists of two elements- formed elements and plasma. The total volume of formed elements in the blood which are erythrocyte, platelets, and leukocytes is called as hematocrit. But clinically the total percentage of erythrocytes in blood is known as hematocrit.

Answer to Problem 1DYB

Correct answer:

The value of hematocrit varies according to sex and age of individuals. The hematocrit of very young children may vary from $\text{30\%}\text{to}\text{60\%}$. Adult males have more hematocrit volume than adult females. The reason for this is testosterone hormone in males that stimulates the production of erythropoietin from kidney that promotes the production of the erythrocyte. In males, the hematocrit ranges from $\text{42\%}\text{and}\text{56\%}$ and adult females it ranges between $\text{38\%}\text{to}\text{46\%}$. The value of hematocrit increases in the condition of dehydration. Therefore, option b. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Option b. is given as “a dehydrated adult male”. The percentage of hematocrit is affected by dehydration condition. If a person has a high hematocrit range it means the person is either suffering from dehydration or is involved in blood doping. As the value of hematocrit is already higher than children and females, its value will increase more in dehydration condition. Thus, the hematocrit value of a dehydrated male will be maximum. Hence; the hematocrit value would be highest in a dehydrated male.

Hence, option b. is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option a. is given as “a 10-year old child”. The hematocrit of very young children may vary from $\text{30\%}\text{to}\text{60\%}$. The range of a dehydrated male is more as compared to a ten-year-old child. Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option c. is given as “a healthy, nonmenstruating female”. In adult females, the hematocrit value ranges between $\text{38\%}\text{to}\text{46\%}$ which is less than a ten-year-old child. Hence, option c. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as “a healthy, menstruating adult female”. In adult females, the hematocrit value ranges between $\text{38\%}\text{to}\text{46\%}$. It decreases in menstruating females due to blood loss. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, options a., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

The hematocrit range value would be highest in a ten-year-old boy than a dehydrated male and a healthy female.