What lab values are typically indicative of anemia?

The choice that indicates typical lab values of anemia involves low levels of red blood cells (RBCs), low hemoglobin, and low hematocrit. Anemia is characterized by a deficiency in the quantity of red blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

In individuals with anemia, these low values reflect a reduced capacity for the blood to transport oxygen, leading to various symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Hematocrit, which represents the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, also decreases in this condition, confirming the diagnosis. This pattern of lab findings is therefore considered indicative of anemia and aligns with the physiological understanding of the disorder.

The other choices do not represent typical characteristics of anemia, as they involve either high levels of RBCs or hemoglobin, which are not consistent with an anemic state. Normal levels can occur in healthy individuals, but they do not suggest the presence of anemia or its related complications.