Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

A patient's serum sodium is within normal range. The nurse estimates that serum osmolality should be:

  • A. Less than 136mOsm/kg
  • B. Greater than 408mOsm/kg
  • C. 280 to 295mOsm/kg
  • D. 350 to 544mOsm/kg
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Normal serum osmolality typically ranges between 280 to 295mOsm/kg. Serum osmolality reflects the concentration of solute particles in the blood, including sodium, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen. Sodium is a major determinant of serum osmolality, but it is not the only factor. In this case, since the patient's serum sodium is within the normal range, the nurse can reasonably estimate that the serum osmolality would fall within the normal range of 280 to 295mOsm/kg. Options A, B, and D are outside the typical range for serum osmolality in a healthy individual.