Recognizing thyroid storm in the neurologically impaired patient.
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening complication of thyroid dysfunction that is manifested by signs of cardiac arrhythmias, fever, and neurological impairment. These symptoms can easily be attributed to a multitude of factors commonly seen in neurological intensive care units, making the recognition and diagnosis of this event difficult. In this case study, a patient presents with a complicated course of hospitalization exacerbated by thyroid storm. Early nursing care and medical collaboration offset a potentially fatal condition.
Harris
Catherine
C
Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
D000368:Aged; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D013958:Thyroid Crisis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*