National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What does a hematocrit value of 42% indicate for an adult female patient?

1. Anemia

2. Inflammation

3. Infection

4. Normal findings

The correct answer is: Normal findings

A hematocrit value measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. For adult females, the typical range for hematocrit is approximately 38% to 47%. A value of 42% falls within this range, indicating that the patient's red blood cell volume is within normal limits. This value suggests that there are adequate levels of red blood cells in the bloodstream to carry oxygen effectively throughout the body. Normal hematocrit levels can help rule out conditions such as anemia, which typically presents with lower values, or significant inflammatory responses and infections, which may lead to alterations in red blood cell production or distribution. Thus, a hematocrit of 42% signifies normal physiological functioning associated with red blood cell counts in an adult female patient.