What is the main cause of a reduced hematocrit (HCT) in a client?

There are many reasons for hematocrit to fall below the normal range. Several reasons are internal bleeding, overhydration, sickle cell anemia, anemia, malnutrition, and cancer; although there are many more. Hemodilution would be a reason for decreased HCT.

One example is during pregnancy even though the blood volume increases, and the red blood cells increase, plasma increases more, diluting the blood, resulting in anemia, and decreasing both hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The lack of erythropoietin hormone, which produces red blood cells, can cause anemia which would lower HCT levels.

Reduced hct is caused by hemodilution, in which volume overload resulting from interstitial-to-plasma fluid shift lowers the concentration of erythrocytes and other blood elements. hemoconcentration results from hypoalbuminemia, which causes the movement of fluid from the vascular component to the interstitial space. Metabolic acidosis does cause the red blood cell components to be fragile, but it isn't related to reduced hct level in this situation. Erythropoietin factor is reduced if kidney failure occurs.