The nurse is providing care for a patient admitted due to a thyroid storm. The nurse performs a comprehensive physical assessment and is most likely to discover which of the following?
Explanation
• Thyroid storm is a medical emergency caused by excessive thyroid stimulation
• Clinical manifestations are consistent with hyperthyroidism, only more pronounced and life-threatening
• This includes fever (often over 104 degrees Fahrenheit), tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, agitation, vomiting, and coma
• Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and pulmonary edema can also rapidly develop