Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition associated with severe hypothyroidism, characterized by a significant decline in metabolic function, hypothermia, and altered mental status. In the management of myxedema coma, one of the critical treatment strategies is to warm the body passively.

This approach involves using blankets or other passive methods to gradually raise the patient's body temperature. It is important to avoid rapid rewarming, as this can lead to complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Passive warming helps stabilize the patient’s temperature in a controlled manner, supporting physiological function without the risks associated with aggressive rewarming techniques.

In contrast, passive cooling and intensive insulin therapy are not appropriate treatments for myxedema coma. Passive cooling would exacerbate the hypothermia already present in the patient, while intensive insulin therapy is relevant for conditions like hyperglycemic crises but is not applicable to myxedema coma, which generally does not involve hyperglycemia. Rapid rehydration is also not a direct treatment for the underlying hypothyroidism and can be contraindicated, especially if not managed carefully, as it could lead to volume overload or electrolyte imbalances in this vulnerable population.