Final answer:
True. A low hematocrit can result in an increased heart rate and orthostatic hypotension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true.
A low hematocrit means that there is a low percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues, including the heart and brain. When the hematocrit is low, there is less oxygen being delivered to these organs, which can lead to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the heart tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Additionally, the decreased blood volume can result in orthostatic hypotension -- a drop in blood pressure when standing up from a lying or sitting position.
For example, a patient with low hematocrit may have an increased heart rate of 120 beats per minute and experience dizziness upon standing up, as their blood pressure drops.