A nurse is caring for a client with suspected pheochromocytoma. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is the priority action?
Obtain hourly glucose levels
Prepare client for a CT scan
Request order for serum calcium levels
Monitor Blood Pressure
The Correct Answer is D
A. Monitoring glucose levels may be necessary, as pheochromocytoma can cause hyperglycemia, but it is not the immediate priority.
B. A CT scan may be part of the diagnostic process to locate the adrenal tumor, but the priority is to control blood pressure first due to the risk of severe hypertensive crisis.
C. Serum calcium levels are not directly related to pheochromocytoma and are not a priority action.
D. Monitoring blood pressure is critical, as pheochromocytoma causes episodes of severe hypertension, which can lead to life-threatening complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Hypertension can occur due to autonomic dysreflexia, especially in clients with cervical spinal cord injuries, as they may have exaggerated sympathetic responses.
B. A weakened gag reflex can result from cranial nerve involvement due to the cervical spinal cord injury, impacting the client's ability to protect their airway.
C. Absence of bowel sounds may indicate bowel immobility or dysfunction; however, it is not a direct complication of a cervical spinal cord injury.
D. Bradycardia is a common finding in cervical spinal cord injuries due to impaired sympathetic nervous system function, leading to decreased heart rate.
E. Tachycardia is less common in cervical injuries and is typically associated with lower injuries in the spinal cord.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lowering the client's legs is not effective in managing autonomic dysreflexia and may not alleviate the cause of the high blood pressure.
B. Checking for a full bladder is the priority because bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in clients with spinal cord injuries, and relieving it can reduce the severe hypertensive response.
C. Antihypertensives may be used if non-pharmacological measures fail, but addressing the cause is the first action.
D. Pain medication is not indicated as the immediate intervention for autonomic dysreflexia, as the priority is identifying and removing the trigger.
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