During a thyroid storm, which assessment findings would the nurse most likely observe?

• A. Bradycardia and hypothermia
• B. Fever, tachycardia, and high-output heart failure
• C. Hypotension and bradypnea
• D. Muscle weakness without fever

Answer: (B)

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening surge of thyroid hormone that drives a marked hypermetabolic state with intense sympathetic activation. This leads to heat production and fever, plus rapid heart rate as the heart tries to meet the body's increased oxygen and energy demands. Over time, the sustained tachycardia and high cardiac output strain the heart, producing signs of high-output heart failure such as dyspnea or edema. That combination—fever, tachycardia, and signs of cardiac strain—best matches the storm’s classic presentation.

Bradycardia and hypothermia would suggest a much different, reduced-metabolic state; hypotension with bradypnea isn’t the typical early pattern of thyroid storm, and muscle weakness without fever misses the hallmark fever of the crisis.