Read this selection: Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that overproduces the catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine.A patient with this tumor has hypertension that is difficult to control, severe headaches, tachycardia, palpitations, and feelings of impending death.Which of the following statements best describes a patient with this condition?

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A patient with pheochromocytoma has hypertension that is difficult to control and is accompanied by increased pulse rate, tachycardia, palpitations, and severe headaches. This is caused by overproduction of epinephrine and norepinephrine by the tumor in the adrenal medulla. Adrenaline (epinephrine) production is actually increased in this condition, not unchanged. Low blood pressure is not a typical symptom of pheochromocytoma. The heart is actually one of the organs that is affected, as evidenced by the tachycardia and palpitations. Due to the severity of the symptoms, there is likely to be a significant amount of discomfort and anxiety for the patient.

Read This Selection: Pheochromocytoma Is a Tumor of the Adrenal