Angelite Nurses: Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma

General information

Functioning tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine
Occurs most commonly between ages 25-50
May be hereditary in some cases

Assessment findings

Severe headache, apprehension, palpitations, profuse sweating, nausea
Hypertension, tachycardia, vomiting, hyperglycemia, dilation of pupils, cold extremities
Diagnostic tests

Increased plasma levels of catecholamines; elevated blood sugar; glycosuria
Elevated urinary catecholamines and urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) levels
Presence of tumor on x-ray

Nursing interventions

Monitor vital signs, especially blood pressure.
Administer medications as ordered to control hypertension.
Promote rest; decrease stressful stimuli.
Monitor urine tests for glucose and acetone.
Provide high-calorie, well-balanced diet; avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea.
Provide care for the client with an adrenalectomy (see below) as ordered; observe postadrenelectomy client carefully for shock due to drastic drop in catecholamine level.
Provide client teaching and discharge planning: same as for adrenalectomy.

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