A nurse is caring for a client with a pheochromocytoma. Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for this client?
Decreased pulse
Elevated blood pressure
Cold intolerance
Decreased respiratory rate
The Correct Answer is B
A. A decreased pulse is not typically associated with pheochromocytoma. This condition is characterized by the excessive release of catecholamines, which usually leads to an increased heart rate.
B. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that causes excessive secretion of catecholamines, leading to episodic or sustained hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is a hallmark symptom of this condition.
C. Cold intolerance is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism and is not a typical finding in pheochromocytoma.
D. Decreased respiratory rate is not characteristic of pheochromocytoma; instead, clients may experience symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and headaches due to the elevated catecholamine levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bubbling in the water seal chamber with exhalation can be normal as it indicates air is escaping from the pleural space; however, continuous bubbling may indicate an air leak and would need to be assessed.
B. Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side is a sign of a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention. This tracheal deviation suggests that the pressure in the pleural space is increasing, pushing the mediastinum to the opposite side.
C. Scant serosanguinous drainage on the dressing is expected and not an immediate concern unless it becomes excessive.
D. Crepitus, or subcutaneous emphysema, indicates air leakage into the tissues but is not immediately life-threatening unless it is extensive and worsening rapidly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Epoetin alfa is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells, so an increase in hematocrit levels would indicate a therapeutic effect. This is particularly important in clients with chronic renal disease, who often suffer from anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys.
B. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific measure of inflammation and is not used to monitor the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.
C. The leukocyte count measures white blood cells and is not affected by or used to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
D. The platelet count measures platelets in the blood and is not related to the therapeutic effects of epoetin alfa, which targets red blood cell production.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.