The normal range of red blood cells (RBC) is 3.8 to 5.1 million cells/µL in females and 4.3 to 5.7 million cells/µL in males. Therefore a RBC count of 7 million cells/µL indicates polycythemia, excessive red blood cells. Polycythemia can result from hypoxemia, which is observed in patients with pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Therefore the laboratory report of patient 1 could reveal a high RBC count of 7 million cells/µL. Patient 2 may be predisposed to hemolysis, often seen in patients with a valvular disease such as mitral valve prolapse. Patient 3 has peptic ulcer disease; so he or she may experience hematemesis. Patient 4 is a chronic smoker, and therefore may have increased low-density cholesterol and CO 2 levels. The conditions documented for patients 2, 3, and 4 would not result in polycythemia.
