Also known as: Shock from blood loss
Multiple trauma patient involved in a car collision who presents with low blood pressure (90/50, later dropping to 70/30), elevated pulse (120-150), and signs of internal bleeding requiring central line placement and aggressive fluid resuscitation.
Also known as: Blood in chest cavity
12-year-old girl with gunshot wound to the chest presenting with diminished breath sounds on the right side, requiring chest tube placement (28 French) with 200cc blood drainage.
Also known as: Lung infection
Patient with end-stage multiple sclerosis who is found abandoned and develops pneumonia requiring hospital admission.
Also known as: MS
End-stage MS patient who has been abandoned by taxi with a note describing her care needs. She is partially paralyzed, incontinent, sight-impaired, and has possible dementia. Her husband eventually admits he couldn't continue caring for her at home.
Also known as: Unplanned pregnancy
14-year-old girl presenting with abdominal pain initially thought to be appendicitis by her mother, but reveals unprotected sexual activity and is found to be pregnant. Testing for STIs including HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia is ordered.
Also known as: Synthetic cannabinoid overdose
Patient who mistakenly ingests 500cc of GI cocktail (containing Maalox, lidocaine, and Donnatal) instead of the prescribed 1 ounce, leading to respiratory arrest and requiring gastric lavage with charcoal.
Also known as: Cyanide poisoning
Patient who fell 15 feet onto industrial machinery at a recycling facility using cyanide illegally for stripping x-ray cartridges. Presents with hypotension, altered mental status, and metabolic acidosis with bright red retinal veins. Successfully treated with thiosulfate.
Also known as: Dislocated finger
Dr. Benton dislocates his index finger by slamming it in a car door. The dislocation is reduced by Carter and requires splinting for 10 days, threatening his ability to perform surgery.