Also known as: Heart attack
39-year-old male with family history of early coronary disease develops chest pain during weight training at the gym. He progresses to an acute MI with ST elevation, develops second-degree heart block (Mobitz type II), goes into heart failure with pulmonary edema, and requires emergency transcutaneous and transvenous pacing before receiving a permanent pacemaker.
Also known as: Paralyzed bowel
92-year-old man presents with vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal distension. Found to have medication-induced ileus with hypokalemia. Also suffering from malnutrition and pressure ulcers due to inadequate home care by his elderly wife.
Also known as: Drug relapse
14-year-old homeless girl found face down in mud at Grant Park, overdosed on multiple substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and benzodiazepines. Blood alcohol level 0.23. Has track marks and skin infections from injection drug use. Runaway from foster care where she was allegedly molested.
Also known as: Skin infection
The teenage overdose patient has skin infections from injection drug use (skin popping), treated with IV antibiotics including Ancef and gentamicin.
Also known as: Liver inflammation
Lab results on the teenage overdose patient show elevated AST and bilirubin, indicating hepatitis, likely related to her IV drug use.
Also known as: Hip inflammation
8-year-old boy presents with right hip pain and recent upper respiratory infection. Dr. Del Amico orders extensive workup concerned about septic arthritis, but Dr. Ross diagnoses benign transient synovitis based on CBC and treats with Advil. Creates conflict between the two physicians about appropriate diagnostic workup.
Also known as: Collapsed lung in newborn
Peter Benton's premature son (delivered at 32 weeks) had severe respiratory complications requiring oscillating ventilator and nitric oxide therapy. Successfully transitioned to regular respirator. Suffered perinatal anoxia raising concerns about potential brain damage and developmental disabilities, though ultrasound and CT show no structural brain abnormalities. Represents ongoing emotional crisis for Benton.
Also known as: Bed sore
92-year-old patient has multiple pressure ulcers in sacral area due to inadequate care at home, indicating need for nursing home placement.