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
Rationale:
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.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Popping sounds, also known as crackles, are typically associated with fluid in the alveoli, often seen in conditions like pneumonia or heart failure, not pleurisy.
B. Loud, grating sounds, known as pleural friction rub, are characteristic of pleurisy. This sound is produced by the inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing together during respiration.
C. Snoring sounds, or rhonchi, are usually heard in conditions involving airway obstruction by mucus, such as bronchitis, rather than pleurisy.
D. Squeaky, musical sounds, or wheezing, are associated with airway narrowing, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and are not typically heard in pleurisy.