Medical Emergencies · patient case question
A patient in myxedema coma would display all of the following EXCEPT:
Patient case: Medical Emergency in the Operatory
demo: 34-year-old female
chief: Composite restoration on tooth #3 under rubber dam isolation.
history: Asthma, well controlled. No known drug allergies. Latex sensitivity not previously documented.
meds: Albuterol inhaler as needed
findings: Ten minutes after rubber dam placement the patient develops audible wheezing, swelling of the lips and periorbital tissue, and urticaria over the neck.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Tachycardia
- A. Bradycardia is characteristic and reflects the low metabolic state.
- B. Correct — this is the exception. Myxedema coma is decompensated hypothyroidism; the metabolic rate collapses, so the heart rate falls. Tachycardia would suggest thyroid storm, the opposite emergency.
- C. Altered consciousness ranging from lethargy to coma defines the syndrome.
- D. Hypothermia is one of the cardinal features and may be profound.
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