A client admitted to the hospital with suspected myasthenic crisis was prescribed edrophonium (Tensilon). The nurse misread the dosage and administered a higher dose than prescribed. The doctor has ordered an antidote to be given. What medication does the nurse anticipate administering?

Choice A reason: Polyuria, nausea, and headaches are not specific clinical manifestations of thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is characterized by extreme hyperthyroidism, leading to severe symptoms such as high fever and tachycardia. Polyuria and nausea could occur in various conditions but are not hallmark signs of a thyroid storm.

Choice B reason: Polydipsia, translucent skin, and obesity are not typical manifestations of thyroid storm. These symptoms are more associated with other conditions, such as diabetes (polydipsia) and metabolic disorders (obesity). Thyroid storm involves acute and severe symptoms related to excessive thyroid hormone levels.

Choice C reason: Profuse sweating and flushing can occur in thyroid storm, but constipation is not typically observed. In fact, hyperthyroidism generally increases gastrointestinal motility, leading to diarrhea rather than constipation. Thyroid storm involves symptoms reflecting severe metabolic overactivity.

Choice D reason: High fever, severe tachycardia, and hypertension are classic clinical manifestations of thyroid storm. The condition involves a rapid and life-threatening escalation of hyperthyroid symptoms, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

Choice A reason: Pyridostigmine is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, but it is not used as an antidote for edrophonium overdose. Pyridostigmine helps improve muscle strength by increasing the amount of acetylcholine available at the neuromuscular junction.

Choice B reason: Flumazenil is an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose and has no effect on edrophonium. It works by competitively inhibiting the actions of benzodiazepines on the GABA receptor.

Choice C reason: Acetylcholine itself is not used as an antidote for edrophonium overdose. Administering acetylcholine would not counteract the effects of excessive acetylcholinesterase inhibition caused by edrophonium.

Choice D reason: Atropine is the correct antidote for edrophonium overdose. Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that can counteract the excessive accumulation of acetylcholine caused by edrophonium, thereby alleviating symptoms such as bradycardia and muscle weakness.