During assessment for pheochromocytoma, which finding is most likely?

• A. Blood pressure 130/70 mm Hg
• B. Blood glucose 130 mg/dL
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Blood pressure 176/88 mm Hg

Answer: (D)

Pheochromocytoma releases excess catecholamines, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system to increase vascular tone and heart rate. This produces hypertension that is often pronounced and may be episodic. So, during assessment the finding that best fits is a markedly elevated blood pressure, reflecting the vasoconstrictive and chronotropic effects of the catecholamines. Bradycardia would be unlikely because the same catecholamine surge typically drives tachycardia; mild hyperglycemia can occur but is less defining than the hypertension.