A client with pheochromocytoma is admitted for surgery. What does the nurse do for the admitting assessment?

• A. Avoids palpating the abdomen.
• B. Monitors for pulmonary edema with a chest x-ray.
• C. Obtains a 24-hour urine specimen on admission.
• D. Places the client in a room with a roommate for distraction.

Answer: (A)

Pheochromocytoma involves a tumor that can dump large amounts of catecholamines. Manipulating the tumor or surrounding abdomen, such as palpating the abdomen, can provoke a sudden surge of these hormones, triggering a dangerous hypertensive crisis, tachycardia, and potential cardiac complications. Because of this risk, the admitting assessment should avoid abdominal palpation to prevent triggering catecholamine release and destabilizing the patient before surgery.

Other steps, like obtaining a 24-hour urine for catecholamines or performing a chest x-ray, may be useful in diagnosis or monitoring but are not the immediate priority of the admitting assessment. Room assignment isn’t specifically relevant to this condition and would be addressed by general admission considerations.