Also known as: Blocked intestine
Elderly female patient presenting with abdominal pain and tenderness, diagnosed with small bowel obstruction likely due to adhesions from previous surgery. Carter is assigned to manage the case and must perform a rectal exam revealing fecal impaction.
Also known as: Blood infection
Elderly male patient presenting with altered mental status, hypotension (BP 60 palp), tachycardia, fever (103°F), and sepsis requiring aggressive resuscitation. Carter performs his first central line attempt, accidentally causing a pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. Patient requires intubation and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Also known as: Liver scarring
Alcoholic male with known cirrhosis presenting with massive hematemesis, hypotension, and altered mental status. Patient develops SVT requiring cardioversion, then becomes apneic requiring intubation. Carter manages the complex case throughout the night, requiring NG tube placement and transfusion for GI bleeding.
Also known as: AIDS
Jeanie Boulet has tested positive for HIV after exposure from her husband Al who has AIDS. She visits the County HIV clinic but is advised by a former surgical tech to seek treatment elsewhere to avoid discrimination. She confides in Peter Benton and decides not to disclose her status to hospital management.
Also known as: Gallstones
Surgical patient presenting with jaundice without cholangiolitis requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case is used to test the surgical interns' knowledge during morning rounds with Dr. Benton.
Also known as: Full-thickness burns
Pediatric patient with severe third-degree burns and respiratory compromise (pulse ox 65%) from fireworks accident on July 4th requiring emergency intubation and plastic surgery consultation.
Also known as: Cut
Intoxicated male who went through a plate glass window resulting in extensive lacerations requiring hundreds of sutures. Carter spends much of the night suturing this patient.
Also known as: Fluid in the lungs
Patient presenting with acute pulmonary edema mentioned briefly as Carter is called away to manage multiple emergencies during his overnight shift.
Also known as: Bleeding after surgery
Post-operative day 2 patient after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with dropping hematocrit (33 to 30) and desaturation (sat down to 90), requiring Carter to determine whether patient is bleeding out or hemodiluted. Carter pages the sleeping resident for guidance.