Normal hemoglobin level in adult is:

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The range of 12 to 15 g% falls within the accepted normal physiological hemoglobin levels for adults.
This range specifically covers the normal values for adult females (12-16 g/dL) and the lower end of the normal range for adult males (14-18 g/dL).
The unit 'g%' (grams percent) is an older but valid notation for g/dL (grams per deciliter), which is the standard unit for measuring hemoglobin.
Compared to other options, this range is the most accurate and does not include anemic levels or incorrect units of measurement.

Option B: The unit of measurement is incorrect. Hemoglobin is measured in grams (g), not milligrams (mg). A value in mg% would be 1000 times too low.
Option C: This range is too broad and includes values that are not considered normal. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is indicative of anemia in adults.
Option D: This option is incorrect for two reasons: the unit (mg%) is wrong, and the numerical range includes anemic values (10).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal hemoglobin levels in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing hemoglobin is a fundamental nursing task for detecting and monitoring anemia and polycythemia.
Nurses must be able to interpret hemoglobin results to identify patients at risk for complications like tissue hypoxia (from anemia) or thrombosis (from polycythemia).
Patient education is crucial. Nurses explain the meaning of Hb levels and the importance of follow-up tests and treatments, such as iron supplements for anemia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the normal hemoglobin (Hb) level in an adult.
Pay close attention to the units of measurement provided in the options. Hemoglobin is measured in grams (g), not milligrams (mg). This allows you to immediately eliminate options with 'mg%'.
Next, evaluate the numerical ranges of the remaining options. Recall or deduce the standard normal Hb ranges for adult males and females.
Compare the given ranges to the standard ranges. The normal range for females is about 12-16 g/dL and for males is 14-18 g/dL.
Select the option that best fits within these established normal ranges and excludes values that would be considered pathological (e.g., anemic levels like 10 g/dL).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 818-820

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.