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Thyroid storm — RCPSC IM MCQ

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HardEndocrinologyThyroid stormRCPSC IM

A patient with thyroid storm has severe asthma and decompensated heart failure. Which adrenergic-control strategy is safest?

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Correct answer: EUse titrated short-acting beta blockade under monitoring

The best answer is “Use titrated short-acting beta blockade under monitoring”. Adrenergic control remains important, but asthma and heart failure make a large long-acting nonselective beta-blocker hazardous. Short-acting titration or an alternative such as a calcium-channel blocker is individualized in monitored care while definitive thyroid-storm treatment proceeds.

Reference: Ontario Poison Centre, clinical resources and protocols: https://www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca/health-care-professionals/clinical-resources-and-protocols/