Final answer:
The statement is false because polycythemia is associated with an infant being large-for-gestational-age, so the LGA status needs to be determined to assess the risk of polycythemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering a preterm large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant and the risk of polycythemia, it's important to understand the physiological context. Premature infants, particularly those who are LGA, are at an increased risk of polycythemia due to factors such as maternal diabetes or conditions leading to increased transplacental nutrient and oxygen transfer. However, without data indicating that the infant is indeed LGA, one cannot assume the development of polycythemia solely based on gestational age. Therefore, the statement that 'Polycythemia may develop in a preterm large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant, but there are no data to indicate that the infant is LGA' can be considered false, since polycythemia is associated with LGA status, which must be determined before assessing the risk.
The fetal hemoglobin aspect is also relevant as it has a higher affinity for oxygen, assisting the fetus in obtaining oxygen from the mother's blood through the placenta. This detail, while important in understanding fetal physiology, does not directly relate to the question about LGA status and polycythemia risk.