A patient is brought into the emergency department with a pheochromocytoma. In order to reverse the lethal symptoms of this disease, the nurse prepares to infuse

Explanation

• Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that results in increased secretion of catecholamines.

• Due to a high level of catecholamines, both alpha and beta blockers are required, particularly alpha blockers. Phenoxybenzamine is the preferred alpha blocker.

• The patient's blood pressure and heart rate should be stabilized until the patient undergoes an adrenalectomy.

• Norepinephrine and dopamine are catecholamines and should not be administered to a patient with a pheochromocytoma.

• Atropine is used for symptomatic bradycardia and is not indicated in the treatment of pheochromocytoma.

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