ENDOCRINE: PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Question 1

Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma

What is it?

Answer 1

• Catecholamine-producing tumor found in adrenal medulla but can be in other locations

Question 2

Pheochromocytoma

What kind of tumor cause this?

Answer 2

typically benign but can be malignant

Question 3

Pheochromocytoma

What diagnostic test would be ordered?

Answer 3

• 24 hour urine collection

Question 4

Pheochromocytoma

24 hour urine collection…what are they looking for?

Answer 4

• Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
• VMA is a product of catecholamines and metanephrine

Question 5

Pheochromocytoma

Tx?

Answer 5

• surgical removal of adrenal gland
• symptomatic tx is surgery is not possible

Question 6

Pheochromocytoma

Hallmark Sign

Answer 6

• Hypertension: severe hypertension can precipitate a stroke or sudden blindness

Question 7

Pheochromocytoma

Primary nursing action?

Answer 7

Monitor vital signs

Question 8

Pheochromocytoma

For client with pheochromocytoma avoid stimuli that can precipitate hypertensive crisis such as?

Answer 8

• Increased ABD pressure
• Vigorous ABD palpation

Question 9

Pheochromocytoma

Hypertensive crisis what is it?

Answer 9

A hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure — a top number (systolic pressure) of 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a bottom number (diastolic pressure) of 120 mm Hg or higher — damages blood vessels. They become inflamed and may leak fluid or blood. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump blood effectively.

Question 10

Pheochromocytoma

Hypertensive Crisis S/S

Answer 10

• Severe chest pain
• Severe headache, accompanied by confusion and blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness