A nurse is caring for a client with pheochromocytoma. Which action should be taken to reduce blood pressure and abdominal pressure?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed.
• B. Palpate the abdomen.
• C. Monitor the client for hypotension.
• D. Check the client's urine specific gravity.

Answer: (A)

In pheochromocytoma, the tumor can dump catecholamines and cause a sharp rise in blood pressure. The priority is to minimize abdominal stimulation that could trigger another surge. Elevating the head of the bed helps create a calmer, less stimulating environment and supports lower blood pressure, making it the best action to reduce both BP and abdominal tension. Palpating the abdomen could provoke a catecholamine release and worsen hypertension, monitoring for hypotension doesn’t address the immediate crisis, and checking urine specific gravity isn’t relevant to controlling the BP spike in this situation.