Thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis) and myxedema coma represent opposite ends of the thyroid emergency spectrum — both carry mortality rates of 10–30% even with optimal treatment, and both are triggered by physiological stressors in patients with pre-existing thyroid disease. Thyroid storm: Life-threatening exaggeration of hyperthyroidism — massive catecholamine surge mediated by excess T3/T4 → multi-organ failure within hours. Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale (BWPS) ≥45 = high probability of storm; treat before waiting for labs. Myxedema coma: Life-threatening decompensation of hypothyroidism — slowed metabolism of every organ system → hypothermia, CO2 retention, hypotension, hyponatremia, and coma. Normal TSH does not rule it out in patients on replacement therapy who have been non-compliant. Top 3 nursing priorities (thyroid storm): 1. Block thyroid hormone synthesis AND release (PTU before iodine, never iodine alone), THEN block peripheral effects with beta-blocker. 2. Identify and aggressively treat the precipitating event (infection is #1 trigger). 3. Continuous cardiac monitoring — ventricular fibrillation from thyroid storm-induced cardiomyopathy causes sudden death. Top 3 nursing priorities (myxedema coma): 1. Airway — patients hypoventilate with CO2 retention; anticipate intubation if RR <12...