ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In chronic anemia, the body has multiple compensatory mechanisms employed to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues despite a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin available to carry oxygen. One of the primary responses is an increase in cardiac output. This occurs as the heart works harder to pump a greater volume of blood per unit of time, which helps to ensure that adequate oxygen is delivered across the body's tissues, compensating for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

The increase in cardiac output is often facilitated through elevated heart rate and stroke volume, as the body senses low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and attempts to restore balance. In essence, even though there are fewer red blood cells, the enhanced efficiency of blood circulation allows for improved oxygenation of tissues.

The other options, while they might relate to various physiological adaptations, do not specifically address the most direct compensatory response to chronic anemia in terms of oxygen delivery.