Thyroid
This condition presents with bradycardia, hypothermia, and altered mental status in a patient with untreated hypothyroidism.
Myxedema coma
This hormone is deficient in all forms of adrenal insufficiency.
Cortisol
A sodium level below this value defines hyponatremia.
<135–138 mEq/L
This equation is used to calculate the anion gap.
Na - (Cl + HCO₃)
A blood glucose less than this defines hypoglycemia.
<70 mg/dL
This is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
This electrolyte abnormality combination is classic in primary adrenal insufficiency.
Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
Seizures and coma in hyponatremia are most likely when sodium is below this level.
<120 mEq/L
This acid-base disorder is caused by vomiting or diuretic use.
Metabolic alkalosis
Hyperglycemia, no ketoacidosis, and severe dehydration.
HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State)
This life-threatening condition presents with fever, tachycardia, agitation, and possible atrial fibrillation in a hyperthyroid patient.
Thyroid storm
This is the first-line treatment for suspected adrenal crisis in the ED.
IV Hydrocortisone
This is the initial treatment for severe symptomatic hyponatremia.
3% hypertonic saline
This condition causes respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation.
COPD or CNS depression (e.g., sedation)
This lab triad defines DKA
Glucose >250, anion gap >12, bicarbonate <15 (with acidosis)
A lab pattern of high TSH and low T4 indicates this type of hypothyroidism.
Primary hypothyroidism
This diagnostic test helps differentiate primary vs secondary adrenal insufficiency.
ACTH stimulation test
Overcorrection of hyponatremia can lead to this neurologic condition.
Osmotic demyelination syndrome
Most common cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis in critically ill patients.
Lactic acidosis
This breathing pattern helps compensate for metabolic acidosis in DKA.
Kussmaul respirations
This medication both controls heart rate AND decreases peripheral T4 → T3 conversion in thyroid storm.
Propranolol
This condition presents with refractory hypotension despite fluids and vasopressors, often triggered by infection or steroid withdrawal.
Adrenal crisis
This condition causes normovolemic hyponatremia due to excess ADH.
SIADH
This formula is used to determine if respiratory compensation is appropriate in metabolic acidosis.
Winter's formula
- PaCO2 = (1.5 x HCO3) + 8 ± 2)
Before starting insulin in DKA, you must evaluate and correct this electrolyte
Potassium