A nurse finds that a client's hemoglobin is 10 g/dL and hematocrit is 30%. What condition is the client at risk for?

A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL and a hematocrit of 30% indicate mild to moderate anemia. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When hemoglobin levels are low, the blood's capacity to carry oxygen is reduced. This can lead to cellular hypoxia, a condition where the body's tissues do not receive an adequate supply of oxygen needed for normal functioning.

In the context of anemia, cellular hypoxia can manifest as fatigue, weakness, and in severe cases, confusion and increased heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This risk arises because various organs and tissues rely heavily on a consistent oxygen supply for their metabolic processes. Without sufficient hemoglobin, the client faces a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms and complications associated with tissue hypoxia.

The other conditions mentioned, such as prolonged bleeding, impaired immunity, and fluid retention, are not directly caused by low hemoglobin levels in the same manner that hypoxia is. Although anemia can affect overall health and potentially contribute to these issues over time, the primary and most immediate risk related to low hemoglobin is cellular hypoxia.