A patient with fluid volume excess has a hemoglobin level of 9 mg/dL.How would the nurse explain the more likely cause of this laboratory value?
A)An undiagnosed bleeding disorder exists.
B)The patient has chronic anemia.
C)The patient has iron deficiency anemia.
D)Plasma dilution has occurred due to excess fluid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluid volume excess leads to dilution of plasma, which can result in decreased hemoglobin levels. An undiagnosed bleeding disorder, chronic anemia, and iron deficiency anemia could all potentially cause low hemoglobin levels, but without additional information, the most likely cause in this situation is the plasma dilution due to excess fluid.

A Patient with Fluid Volume Excess Has a Hemoglobin Level