Which finding may indicate dehydration on a hematology panel?

Which finding may indicate dehydration on a hematology panel?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Dehydration
• C. Anemia
• D. Leukocytosis

Answer: (B)

Dehydration reduces circulating plasma volume, concentrating the cells and proteins in the blood. On a hematology panel, this hemoconcentration shows up as higher hematocrit and hemoglobin (and sometimes higher total protein). Among the options, only dehydration aligns with this fluid-status effect on a CBC: the others reflect separate processes—hyperglycemia is a metabolic issue, anemia indicates reduced red cell mass, and leukocytosis points to infection or inflammation. So the finding most consistent with dehydration on a hematology panel is the state of dehydration manifested by hemoconcentration (increased hematocrit/hemoglobin).

Dehydration reduces circulating plasma volume, concentrating the cells and proteins in the blood. On a hematology panel, this hemoconcentration shows up as higher hematocrit and hemoglobin (and sometimes higher total protein). Among the options, only dehydration aligns with this fluid-status effect on a CBC: the others reflect separate processes—hyperglycemia is a metabolic issue, anemia indicates reduced red cell mass, and leukocytosis points to infection or inflammation. So the finding most consistent with dehydration on a hematology panel is the state of dehydration manifested by hemoconcentration (increased hematocrit/hemoglobin).