Question

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is experiencing a thyroid storm. Which manifestations should the nurse expect?

1) Increased heart rate
2) High blood pressure
3) Fever
4) Excessive sweating
5) Restlessness

Answer 1

In a thyroid storm, a nurse should expect to see increased heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, excessive sweating, and restlessness. These are severe manifestations of hyperthyroidism, indicative of a critical and potentially life-threatening condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client experiencing a thyroid storm should expect to observe certain clinical manifestations. These manifestations include:

• Increased heart rate: A hallmark symptom of hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm.
• High blood pressure: Often accompanying the increased heart rate as part of the hypermetabolic state.
• Fever: High body temperature can occur due to the elevated metabolic rate.
• Excessive sweating: Due to heat intolerance and overactivity of the sweat glands.
• Restlessness: The patient may also display signs of agitation and restlessness as a consequence of the systemic impact of excess thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an abnormally elevated level of thyroid hormone, which results in an increased metabolic rate, excess body heat, sweating, and an increased heart rate. In severe cases, such as thyroid storm, these symptoms can be exacerbated and can represent a medical emergency.