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Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis) — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Temp >104°F + tachycardia = emergency

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Causes

Why it happens

Untreated hyperthyroid + stress
Infection, surgery, DKA trigger

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Signs

What to look for

Hyperthermia >104°F (40°C)
HR >130, dysrhythmias, HTN
Delirium, agitation, seizures

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Do

Nursing actions

Cooling, O2, IV fluids
PTU, then iodine (SSKI) after
Propranolol, hydrocortisone

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Avoid

Key facts

ASA → ↑ free thyroid hormone
Iodine BEFORE PTU given

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Quick Tip

Hallmark findings are very high fever (often above 104F/40C), severe tachycardia, and hypertension.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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