Final answer:
Polycythemia is an elevated RBC count and is detected in a patient's elevated hematocrit. It can occur transiently in a person who is dehydrated or has inadequate water intake. Polycythemia vera, a type of bone marrow disease, causes excessive production of immature erythrocytes and can dangerously elevate blood viscosity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An elevated RBC count is called polycythemia. It is detected in a patient's elevated hematocrit. Polycythemia can occur transiently in a person who is dehydrated or has inadequate water intake. In contrast, anemia is a condition that results from insufficient numbers of RBCs. Polycythemia vera, a type of bone marrow disease, causes excessive production of immature erythrocytes and can dangerously elevate blood viscosity. It is more likely to be present in elderly patients.