Code Black — CBS

Season 2, Episode 15

8 medical diagnoses portrayed

Also known as: Heart transplant rejection

Organ failureHemodynamic instability

Bill Chislett, a recent heart transplant recipient, presents in heart failure with his body rejecting the transplanted heart. He requires a balloon pump and is placed on the national donor list for a second transplant.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Bill Chislett

Ankle sprainsupporting

Also known as: Sprained ankle

College basketball player Russell Gibson injures his ankle during a game. The ankle sprain is eventually revealed to be secondary to a medication issue rather than a primary diagnosis requiring extensive treatment.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Russell Gibson

Serotonin syndromesupporting

Also known as: Too much serotonin from medication overdose

TwitchingDilated pupilsFeverSweatingMemory and focus problems

Russell has been taking excessive amounts of Zoloft (beyond prescribed dose) to manage stress, causing serotonin syndrome with neurological and autonomic symptoms including twitching, dilated pupils, fever, and cognitive problems.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Russell Gibson

Viral hemorrhagic fevermajor

Also known as: Hemorrhagic fever virus

HemorrhageBlood clots in brainDepersonalizationMulti-organ failureHypotensionHyperpyrexia

Yolanda is Patient Zero for an aggressive viral hemorrhagic fever that spreads through the hospital. She presents with fever, altered mental status, aggressive behavior, and hemorrhaging. The virus causes blood clots in the brain leading to depersonalization and death within 48 hours.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Yolanda

Viral hemorrhagic fevermajor

Also known as: Hemorrhagic fever virus

HemorrhageMulti-organ failureHypotensionHyperpyrexiaRespiratory failure

Dr. Heather Pinkney is bitten by an infected patient (Alicia) and contracts the viral hemorrhagic fever. Her infection progresses rapidly due to direct bloodstream exposure, leading to critical condition with temperature of 105°F, hypotension, and eventual death after approximately 24 hours.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Dr. Heather Pinkney

Viral hemorrhagic fevermajor

Also known as: Hemorrhagic fever virus

HemorrhageMulti-organ failureAggressive behaviorAltered mental status

Alicia is infected with the hemorrhagic fever virus and becomes symptomatic approximately 8 hours after exposure. She exhibits aggressive behavior and bites Dr. Pinkney, transmitting the virus before deteriorating into critical condition.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Alicia

Viral hemorrhagic fevermajor

Also known as: Hemorrhagic fever virus

Ariel tests positive for exposure to the viral hemorrhagic fever and is taken into CDC isolation/quarantine. Her infection status drives the emotional climax as Dr. Rorish is forced to separate from her.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Ariel

Recurring storyline

Cholecystitissupporting

Also known as: Gallbladder inflammation

Pericholecystic fluid

Yolanda is initially thought to have cholecystitis with gallstones and a positive sonographic Murphy's sign, but this is revealed to be secondary to the hemorrhagic fever infection rather than the primary diagnosis.

Code Black — S02E15Patient: Yolanda