Nokea
The AGACNP is receiving report from the recovery room on a patient who just had surgical resection for pheochromocytoma. He knows that which class of drugs should be available immediately to manage hypertensive crisis, a possible consequence of physical manipulation of the adrenal medulla?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Surgical manipulation of the adrenal medulla during resection of a pheochromocytoma can result in the release of catecholamines leading to a hypertensive crisis. Alpha-adrenergic antagonists, such as phenoxybenzamine or prazosin, are the drugs of choice for managing hypertensive crisis in this situation. These medications block the alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and lowering of blood pressure. Beta-adrenergic antagonists are contraindicated in this scenario due to the risk of unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation that could worsen the hypertension. Intravenous vasodilators and arteriolar dilators may be used as adjunctive therapy but alpha-adrenergic antagonists are the primary agents for managing hypertensive crisis in this context.