Free AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Question

An elevated hematocrit level can be due to dehydration, which leads to a reduced plasma volume and a relative increase in red blood cell concentration. However, it can also be a result of other conditions such as polycythemia vera, living at high altitudes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, while dehydration can cause elevated hematocrit levels, it is not the only reason, and each case must be evaluated in the context of the patient's overall health and other possible contributing factors.