The patient is being admitted with GI bleeding.Blood work includes serial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.The nurse understands that
A) the hematocrit is a direct reflection of quick blood loss.
B) as extravascular fluid enters the vascular space, the hematocrit increases.
C) the hematocrit value does not change substantially during the first few hours.
D) the administration of intravenous fluids has no effect on hematocrit levels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hematocrit (Hct)value does not change substantially during the first few hours after an acute bleeding episode.During this time,the severity of the bleeding must not be underestimated.Only when extravascular fluid enters the vascular space to restore volume does the Hct value decrease.This effect is further complicated by fluids and blood products that are administered during the resuscitation period.

The Patient Is Being Admitted with GI Bleeding