Which statement is true about high RBC count?

Which statement is true about high RBC count?

• A. It indicates dehydration.
• B. It indicates polycythemia vera.
• C. It may indicate infection, anemia, inflammation, or blood disorders.
• D. It indicates liver disease.

Answer: (C)

High RBC count is a non-specific finding: it doesn’t point to one disease, but can occur in several different situations that either increase red cell production or concentrate the blood. Because elevated red cells can arise from multiple causes, the statement that it may indicate infection, inflammatory states, or various blood disorders best captures the range of possibilities a clinician would consider when you see a high RBC count. Liver disease isn’t typically linked to an elevated red cell count, and dehydration is just one possible mechanism among others. The key point is that an elevated RBC count requires further context and testing to pinpoint the exact cause.

High RBC count is a non-specific finding: it doesn’t point to one disease, but can occur in several different situations that either increase red cell production or concentrate the blood. Because elevated red cells can arise from multiple causes, the statement that it may indicate infection, inflammatory states, or various blood disorders best captures the range of possibilities a clinician would consider when you see a high RBC count. Liver disease isn’t typically linked to an elevated red cell count, and dehydration is just one possible mechanism among others. The key point is that an elevated RBC count requires further context and testing to pinpoint the exact cause.