Angelite Nurses

Thyroid Storm

1. General information
1. Uncontrolled and potentially life-threatening hyperthyroidism caused by sudden and excessive release of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream
2. Precipitating factors: stress, infection, unprepared thyroid surgery
3. Now quite rare
2. Assessment findings
1. Apprehension, restlessness
2. Extremely high temperature (up to 106°F [40.7°C]), tachycardia, CHF, respiratory distress, delirium, coma
3. Nursing interventions (see also Care of the Patient with Hyperthermia)
1. Maintain a patent airway and adequate ventilation; administer oxygen as ordered.
2. Administer IV therapy as ordered.
3. Administer medications as ordered: antithyroid drugs, corticosteroids, sedatives, cardiac drugs.