Reference no: EM133440301
Case Study: Debra Stegman is a 27-year-old fitness instructor who was found unresponsive at home by her husband. Mr. Stegman states that he thinks his wife has had the "flu," with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for the past 24 hours. He states that Debra has been in good health and has even been pleased to have lost 5 pounds this past month due to "healthier food choices." Upon arrival to the ED, Mrs. Stegman's vital signs are: Temp 104.5? tympanic BP 144/68 mmHg HR 158 NSR Oxygen saturation 96% on room air. She exhibits restlessness and tremors. After an extensive work-up, Debra is diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis (Thyroid Storm) and is admitted to the ICU monitoring and management.
Questions:
1. How would you describe the cardinal signs of thyroid storm as exhibited by Mrs. Stegman?
2. What are the goals of treatment for this condition?
3. The Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner writes the following orders. How does each of the orders align with the treatment goals? IV: 1000 mL D5/12/NSS @ 100 mL/hr Propranolol 40 mg IV q4h Insert NG tube to low, intermittent suction Propylthiouracil (PTU) 250 mg q 4 h via NG Potassium iodide eight drops q 6 h via NG. (Administer two hours after PTU.) Hydrocortisone 100 mg IV q 6 h
4. What non-pharmacologic measures should you implement?
5. What medication should the NP prescribe to reduce Mrs. Stegman's fever?
6. Based on Mrs. Stegman's history and clinical presentation, what is the most likely precipitating event for her thyrotoxicosis?