You are the new client educator for the clinic. You have a client that has recently been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma after going to several physicians. She wants to know more about this disorder

You ask to assess her because she seems to be sweating and seems more nervous than when she first entered your office.
a. What is this disorder and what gland or organ is involved?
b. What are the symptoms she has or will have?
c. What indications or other disorders could or can lead to this disorder?
d. What other symptoms do you expect to find?
e. What treatment can she expect to have?
f. What nursing management would be involved in her care?


Students' answers should include the following:
a. Tumor of the adrenal gland, causing hyperfunction
Usually benign
Adrenal gland usually secretes excessive amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
b. Symptoms are triggered by distress emotionally, trauma, exercise, tumor manipulation, and postural changes.
c. Excessive secretions leads to hypertension, CVAs, palpitations, tachycardia, hard to control HTN, develop HTN before 35 years of age, and are on four or more HTN medications.
d. S/s when assessing include elevated blood pressure, tremors, headache, nausea, sweating, hyperglycemia, vertigo, and vomiting.
BP will drop with administration of Regitine injection if client has pheochromocytoma.
e. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor in the adrenal gland.
Hypertension needs to be controlled before surgery.
f. Medical treatment to control hypertensive attacks with metyrosine

Nursing

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A family participating in family therapy has identified the middle child as being the source of the family's conflict. What will the family therapist most likely suggest?

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A) Catharsis B) Altruism C) Group cohesiveness D) Universality

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Nursing