Thyroid storm versus myxedema coma
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
Thyroid storm is a life-threatening hypermetabolic state (hyperthyroid crisis), while myxedema coma is a life-threatening hypometabolic state (hypothyroid crisis).
Thyroid storm versus myxedema coma in plain English
Thyroid storm requires immediate cooling and beta-blockers; myxedema coma requires immediate warming and IV thyroid hormone replacement. A common mistake is confusing the two and applying cooling measures to a client in myxedema coma, which would accelerate their metabolic collapse.
Sign up free: all 276 NCLEX-RN terms as flashcards, plus practice questions with full explanations →
Related NCLEX-RN terms
NCLEX-RN practice questions · NCLEX-RN flashcards · NCLEX-RN study guide