For staging of head and neck cancer, which letter indicates whether cancer has spread to another part of the body?

A. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands that can cause excessive production of catecholamines (such as norepinephrine and epinephrine), leading to a hypertensive crisis. This condition can cause severe hypertension, headaches, palpitations, and sweating.
B. Adrenal insufficiency is typically associated with low blood pressure, not hypertension. It is characterized by symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and hypotension, which are not linked to hypertensive crises.
C. Hypothyroidism is associated with low blood pressure and bradycardia, not an increased risk of hypertensive crisis. It typically leads to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance.
D. Diabetes insipidus is a condition that leads to excessive urination and thirst due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone, but it does not directly lead to a hypertensive crisis. It is primarily concerned with electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

A. While tissue integrity is important, the primary concern immediately postoperatively for a patient who has undergone a partial laryngectomy is ensuring that the airway is open and clear.
B. Airway patency should be assessed first because this surgery involves the upper airway structures, and complications such as obstruction, swelling, or bleeding could compromise the airway and lead to respiratory distress.
C. Pain severity should be assessed as part of routine care, but airway patency takes precedence to prevent respiratory complications.
D. Wound drainage should be monitored but does not take priority over airway assessment in the immediate postoperative period.