A patient has no complaints when she comes to the clinic for a routine physical. Laboratory results reveal a hemoglobin level of 8.2 g/dL. How should the nurse interpret this result?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hemoglobin level of 8.2 g/dL is considered low and indicative of anemia. The fact that the patient has no complaints suggests that the anemia has developed slowly over time rather than rapidly, and that she may not have noticed any symptoms. Bleeding over an extended period of time is a common cause of anemia, and further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause.

A Patient Has No Complaints When She Comes to the Clinic