Which data would indicate a potential complication associated with pheochromocytoma?

Which data would indicate a potential complication associated with pheochromocytoma?

• A. Urinary Output of 50 mL/hr
• B. Coagulation Time of 5 Minutes
• C. Congestion Heard on Auscultation of the Lungs
• D. BUN Level of 20 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

Pheochromocytoma can cause dangerous cardiovascular complications due to excess catecholamines, including left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema. Hearing congestion in the lungs on auscultation points to fluid backed up in the pulmonary circulation, which is exactly what happens with pulmonary edema. This data signals a potential complication affecting breathing and oxygen exchange, requiring urgent assessment and management of blood pressure, heart function, and fluid status. The other data don’t point to this specific complication: a urine output of 50 mL/hr is typically adequate and not indicative of a pulmonary issue; a coagulation time of 5 minutes would raise concerns about bleeding risk rather than a pheochromocytoma-related complication; and a BUN of 20 mg/dL is not by itself a marker of pheochromocytoma complications.

Pheochromocytoma can cause dangerous cardiovascular complications due to excess catecholamines, including left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema. Hearing congestion in the lungs on auscultation points to fluid backed up in the pulmonary circulation, which is exactly what happens with pulmonary edema. This data signals a potential complication affecting breathing and oxygen exchange, requiring urgent assessment and management of blood pressure, heart function, and fluid status.

The other data don’t point to this specific complication: a urine output of 50 mL/hr is typically adequate and not indicative of a pulmonary issue; a coagulation time of 5 minutes would raise concerns about bleeding risk rather than a pheochromocytoma-related complication; and a BUN of 20 mg/dL is not by itself a marker of pheochromocytoma complications.