Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing a thyroid storm. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. In a thyroid storm, there is an excessive release of thyroid hormones, leading to increased metabolic rate and sympathetic nervous system activity. This results in symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, fever, and agitation. Tachycardia is a hallmark sign of thyroid storm due to the increased demand on the cardiovascular system. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Coma is a severe complication of thyroid storm but not an early finding. Hypothermia is not expected in thyroid storm due to increased metabolic rate. Fruity smelling breath is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, not thyroid storm.