Final answer:
The normal hematocrit range for adult males is 42 to 52 percent, with a mean value of 47 percent, making the correct option B: 40-54%. If a patient has a hematocrit of 42 percent, this means that around 58 percent of their blood is plasma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal adult male hematocrit range indicates the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. The hematocrit range for males is 42 to 52 percent, with a mean value of 47 percent.
For females, the range is slightly lower, at 37 to 47 percent, with a mean of 41 percent. The value differs due to various factors, including gender and other individual health aspects.
Considering the provided options for normal adult male hematocrit range, the correct choice is B: 40-54%. This value falls within the typical range for males and is closer to the mean of 47 percent.
If a patient's hematocrit is 42 percent, this implies that approximately 58 percent of their blood is plasma (100 minus 42 equals 58). Plasma is the liquid component of blood, composed primarily of water, with many dissolved substances including proteins. The correct option is B.