During thyroid storm management, which supportive measure is recommended to address metabolic heat and temperature?

• A. Hydration
• B. Iodide therapy
• C. Cooling measures
• D. Sedation with benzodiazepines

Answer: (C)

In thyroid storm, the body’s metabolism is skyrocketing, producing more heat than normal. The immediate priority is to reduce that excess heat to protect organs from heat-related injury, so using cooling measures is the most direct and effective way to address the temperature problem. External cooling—like cooling blankets, ice packs in the groin and armpits, evaporative cooling, and a cool environment—lowers core temperature quickly and lowers the heart’s workload, buys time for definitive therapies to take effect, and helps stabilize the patient clinically.

Hydration is important for maintaining perfusion and preventing dehydration, and it supports overall patient care, but it doesn’t actively and rapidly lower core temperature. Iodide therapy and benzodiazepines have roles in reducing thyroid hormone release and calming agitation, respectively, but they don’t directly manage the heat load as effectively or immediately as targeted cooling measures.