Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

The normal range for serum osmolality being 275-295 mOsm/L is based on the concentration of solutes in the blood, which is essential for assessing a patient's hydration status and overall metabolic balance. Serum osmolality is mainly influenced by sodium, but also takes into account glucose and urea, which contribute to the total osmotic pressure within the blood.

A serum osmolality within this range indicates that the concentrations of these solutes are balanced, reflecting normal physiological conditions. Values outside this range can indicate various medical issues, such as dehydration or fluid overload, kidney dysfunction, or metabolic disturbances. Understanding the normal range allows nurses and healthcare providers to evaluate patient conditions accurately and respond to abnormalities effectively.