A patient newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism has a fever of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Which additional assessment findings should the nurse identify as those associated with thyroid storm? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale A heart rate of 140 beats per minute represents severe tachycardia, a major manifestation of thyroid storm, resulting from extreme stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by excessive thyroid hormones. This leads to a hyperdynamic circulatory state, which can progress to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and heart failure. Choice B rationale Diarrhea lasting four days indicates profound gastrointestinal hypermotility, a common symptom of severe thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm. This excessive bowel activity is due to the increased metabolic rate and direct stimulation of the gut, contributing to fluid and electrolyte depletion. Choice C rationale Thyroid storm is often precipitated by an acute stressor in a client with pre-existing hyperthyroidism. A recent tooth extraction represents a physical stressor, such as infection or surgical trauma, that can trigger the sudden, massive release of thyroid hormones, leading to the crisis state. Choice D rationale In thyroid storm, the hypermetabolic state typically causes hyperventilation, not hypoventilation, as the body attempts to compensate for increased oxygen demand and carbon dioxide production. Hypoventilation, or slow, shallow breathing, is not characteristic of this acute hyperthyroid crisis. Choice E rationale Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, is often associated with hypothyroidism due to the accumulation of hydrophilic mucopolysaccharides in the soft tissues, a condition known as myxedema. In contrast, thyroid storm is characterized by exophthalmos (bulging eyes), not edema. .