A note in the patient's medical record indicates the presence of anemia. Which laboratory test finding would be most consistent with the described state?

Anemia is characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or in the amount of hemoglobin they contain, leading to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity. The hematocrit, which measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, is typically decreased in individuals with anemia.

Therefore, a finding of decreased hematocrit would be consistent with anemia. This laboratory test result reflects the underlying condition directly—when there is anemia, it indicates that there is a lower percentage of red blood cells in circulation compared to the overall blood volume.

In contrast, increased hemoglobin would suggest a higher concentration of oxygen-carrying proteins in the blood, which contradicts the definition of anemia. An increased platelet count is not directly related to the diagnosis of anemia and is more indicative of a response to bleeding or other conditions. Decreased prothrombin time pertains to the blood's ability to clot and does not provide relevant information about red blood cell levels or hemoglobin status, which are central to diagnosing anemia.