Also known as: Vascular dementia
Mark's mother Ruth presents with dramatic personality changes, emotional lability, and disinhibition after a fall. Extensive neurological workup including MRI, CT scans, and multiple tests leads to presumptive diagnosis of multi-infarct dementia caused by series of small strokes, related to her history of hypertension. This is the central medical mystery driving the episode's plot.
Also known as: High blood pressure
Ruth Greene's underlying hypertension is identified as the likely contributing factor to her multi-infarct dementia. Her psychiatrist was unaware of this condition, and it represents a key risk factor for the small strokes causing her cognitive changes.
Also known as: Broken thigh bone
Ruth Greene sustained a knee/femur fracture from falling off a footstool, requiring surgical wiring and casting. This injury brings Mark to San Diego and serves as the initial presenting problem, though her neurological symptoms become the primary concern.
Also known as: Depression
Ruth Greene was being treated for depression by psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Black with Paxil, attending weekly therapy sessions. This is revealed as a secret she's been keeping from her family and exists in co-morbidity with her developing dementia.
Also known as: COPD
Mark's father David has severe COPD from decades of heavy smoking (two packs per day for 50 years). He requires supplemental oxygen and uses an albuterol inhaler. He suffers an acute exacerbation during an argument with Mark, requiring emergency treatment in the ER.
Also known as: Collapsed lung
One of the helicopter crew members from the CH-46 crash develops a tension pneumothorax requiring emergency needle decompression and chest tube placement. Mark's father makes the diagnosis and Mark supervises Cynthia in performing the procedure.
Also known as: Exposed intestines
Female helicopter crew member from the CH-46 crash presents with an eviscerating abdominal wound and severe hypotension (BP 40), requiring massive transfusion and emergency surgical intervention during the mass casualty response.
Also known as: Broken ankle
Helicopter pilot from the CH-46 crash sustained a fractured ankle when the aircraft pitched forward and crashed. He initially presents alert and concerned about his crew before suddenly going into cardiopulmonary arrest.