Which nursing action is appropriate when a client has a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma?

Which nursing action is appropriate when a client has a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma?

• A. Weigh the client
• B. Test the client's urine for glucose
• C. Monitor the blood pressure
• D. Palpate the client's skin to determine warmth

Answer: (C)

Pheochromocytoma causes episodes of severe hypertension due to excessive catecholamine release, so the nurse’s primary focus is to monitor blood pressure to detect and manage these swings. Continuous or frequent BP checks allow early identification of hypertensive crises, guide withhold or initiation of antihypertensive therapy (often alpha blockers), and help ensure hemodynamic stability during treatment or preoperative preparation. This careful monitoring also supports safety during potential interventions and when alerting the team to escalating blood pressure. Abdominal palpation or manipulation can provoke catecholamine release and worsen hypertension, so it’s avoided. Weighing the patient or testing urine for glucose doesn’t address the immediate need to track and control blood pressure or prevent crises.

Pheochromocytoma causes episodes of severe hypertension due to excessive catecholamine release, so the nurse’s primary focus is to monitor blood pressure to detect and manage these swings. Continuous or frequent BP checks allow early identification of hypertensive crises, guide withhold or initiation of antihypertensive therapy (often alpha blockers), and help ensure hemodynamic stability during treatment or preoperative preparation. This careful monitoring also supports safety during potential interventions and when alerting the team to escalating blood pressure.

Abdominal palpation or manipulation can provoke catecholamine release and worsen hypertension, so it’s avoided. Weighing the patient or testing urine for glucose doesn’t address the immediate need to track and control blood pressure or prevent crises.